Hardware Podcasts

Neurons Close the Loop from Insect Perception to Action

EE Times Current · 9 Sept 2025 · 44m

What this episode covers

Professor Barbara Webb of the University of Edinburgh explains how she uses physical robots to validate neural mechanisms in crickets, ants, and bees, demonstrating that biological cognition requires complete sensory-motor loops. She details her work on cricket sound localization using analog electronics for precise timing, bee path integration via the central complex, and ant grasping mechanics using passive hairs. The discussion highlights the value of embodied robotics in testing biological hypotheses and inspiring efficient, low-power robotic control strategies.

Most relevant to

established companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
University of Edinburgh
Tools
neuromorphic hardware
Also
cricket, bee, ant, central complex, Mark Tilden, Noah Cowan

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