title: Embodying cultured networks with a robotic drawing arm.
abstract: The advanced and robust computational power of the brain is shown by the complex behaviors it produces. By embodying living cultured neuronal networks with a robotic or simulated animal (animat) and situating them within an environment, we study how the basic principles of neuronal network communication can culminate into adaptive goal-directed behavior. We engineered a closed-loop biological-robotic drawing machine and explored sensory-motor mappings and training. Preliminary results suggest that real-time performance-based feedback allowed an animat to draw in desired directions. This approach may help instruct the future design of artificial neural systems and of the algorithms to interface sensory and motor prostheses with the brain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Tech and Emory Univ., USA.
authors.forename: Douglas J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Bakkum
authors.forename: Zenas C
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Chao
authors.forename: Phil
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Gamblen
authors.forename: Guy
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ben-Ary
authors.forename: Alec G
authors.initials: AG
authors.lastname: Shkolnik
authors.forename: Thomas B
authors.initials: TB
authors.lastname: DeMarse
authors.forename: Steve M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Potter
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001132:Arm / Q000502:physiology*; D001185:Artificial Intelligence; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D001701:Bionics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D003491:Cybernetics / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D006801:Humans; D009415:Nerve Net / Q000502:physiology*; D010363:Pattern Recognition, Automated / Q000379:methods; D051381:Rats; D012371:Robotics / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D018511:Systems Integration