Scientists at the University of Reading have developed a robot controlled by a biological brain formed from cultured neurons. The researchers want to examine how memories manifest themselves in the brain, and how a brain stores specific pieces of data. The key aim is to gain a better understanding of brain development and aging, and of diseases and disorders that affect the brain such as Alzheimer's Disease, Parkinson's Disease, stroke and brain injury.
The robot's biological brain is made up of cultured neurons which are placed onto a multi electrode array (MEA). The MEA is a dish with approximately 60 electrodes which pick up the electrical signals generated by the cells. This is then used to drive the movement of the robot. Every time the robot nears an object, signals are directed to stimulate the brain by means of the electrodes. In response, the brain's output is used to drive the wheels of the robot, left and right, so that it moves around in an attempt to avoid hitting objects. The robot has no additional control from a human or a computer, its sole means of control is from its own brain.
The robot was developed at the Cybernetic Intelligence Research Group at the University of Reading. The project is being led by Professor Kevin Warwick, who became the subject of worldwide news when he had a silicon chip implanted into his arm.
Video from the University of Reading:
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