Rat-brained robot sheds insight on memory

 

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By Stuart Turton

Posted on 14 Aug 2008 at 10:30

Researchers at the University of Reading have created a robot powered by living tissue.

Developed by a team of researchers at the University of Reading, the robot's "brain" marries 300 cultured rat neurons with an array of 60 electrodes which pick up the electrical signals generated by the cells to direct the robot.

The robot is currently being taught to navigate obstacles and avoid the walls of its cage, and researchers are hoping that by studying the neurons as they learn to navigate, they can develop a greater understanding of how memories are stored in a biological brain.

Researchers admit they are using chemicals to reinforce or inhabit the neural pathways, thus directing the robots responses, however, they claim that up to a point the robot is learning for itself through habit.

The next stage of the experiment will see researchers disrupt the neurons in an effort to recreate the loss of faculties experienced by Alzheimers and Parkinson sufferers, which could provide insights into the diseases.

"This new research is tremendously exciting as firstly the biological brain controls its own moving robot body, and secondly it will enable us to investigate how the brain learns and memorises its experiences," says professor Kevin Warwick from the School of Systems Engineering.

"This research will move our understanding forward of how brains work, and could have a profound effect on many areas of science and medicine."