Not faked studies of animal behavior, but the application of robotics and artificial intelligence techniques to problems of animal behavior. Contributors originally trained in one of the life sciences and have first-hand experience with robots explain studying the behavior of real and simulated robots, using robots to gather data from animals or the environment, and investigating the performance of animal-like robots in real-life situations. The primary audience is intended to be ethologists unaware of robot applications in their field, but the biological matter in kept elementary enough for physical scientists exploring applications of robots. The six chapters and nine case studies are from a July 1998 workshop in Puerto Chico, Playa Blanca de Yaiza, Lanzerote. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
Modelling and computer simulations combined with empirical research are the traditional tools for the study of animal behavior. This exciting new book sets out to show how artificial ethology, or experimentation with animal-like robots, can add a new dimension to our understanding of behavioral questions. Thematic chapters scrutinizing major areas of research in animal behavior follow introductory chapters to modelling and robotics. Each thematic exploration is illustrated with case studies written by leading researchers in the field. From robotic lobsters to robotic 'monkeys', each case study brings the text to life, and gives a detailed description of a problem, approach, and robot application. This is a comprehensive introduction to the application of robotics in animal behavior and physiology.
Preface v History of models in ethology 1(13) The evolution of animal-like mobile robots 14(28) Sensory processes and orientation 42(51) How robotic lobsters locate odour sources in turbulent water 47(12) Frank Grasso Robotic experiments on cricket phonotaxis 59(18) Barbara Webb Gathering and sorting in insects and robots 77(16) Owen Holland Motor co-ordination 93(63) How frogs groom 97(25) Simon Giszter Robotic experiments on insect walking 122(17) Holk Cruse Building a robotic lobster 139(17) Jospeh Ayers Motivation and learning 156(69) Neural nets and robots based upon classical ethology 162(27) Janet Halperin Robotic experiments on rat instrumental learning 189(21) Emmet Spier Robotic experiments on complexity and cognition 210(15) Brendan McGonigle Why robots? 225(11) Bibliography 236(21) Index 257
Owen Holland, Intelligent Autonomous Systems Laboratory, Faculty of Engineering, University of the West of England, Coldharbour Lane, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1QY Currently a visiting research fellow at Caltech: owen@micro.caltech.edu David MacFarland, Animal Behaviour Unit, Department of Zoology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK. david.mcfarland@zoology.oxford.ac.uk
