Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel, Marine Science Institute, University of the Philippines

Lecture
                          V O R T R A G
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Oesterreichisches Forschungsinstitut fuer Artificial Intelligence(OFAI) der OSGK
Freyung 6/6, A-1010 Wien
Tel: +43-1-5336112-17, Fax: +43-1-5336112-77, Email: sec@ofai.at

Dr. Klaus M. Stiefel
Neurolinx Research Institute
www.neurolinx.org 
Marine Science Institute
University of the Philippines



"SEA-URCHINS, AND URCHIN INSPIRED ROBOTS" 


Sea urchins are marine grazers with skin covered in spines and miniature
claws. Despite their placid appearance, they display a number of
interesting behaviors.
I will first review the biology of sea urchins, then present our work on
the covering behavior of sea urchins: Several phylogenetically unrelated
urchins pick up marine debris and place it on their bodies. The animals
use debris for camouflage, weighing themselves down, UV protection and
possibly food storage. Different species select different types of
debris for these purposes. We analyzed this behavior with field studies,
lab experiments and video analysis of the collecting process.
In the last part of my presentation I will outline how I think sea
urchins can inspire the design of new and interesting robots, namely by
designing a robotic surface made up of semi-independent sensory-motor
units. This type of distributed problem solving is effective, relatively
easy to implement, and very distinct from human intelligence.

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Time: Tuesday, 24th October 2017, 6:30 p.m. sharp

Location: Oesterreichisches Forschungsinstitut
fuer Artificial Intelligence, OFAI
Freyung 6, Stiege 6, 1010 Wien

OESTERREICHISCHES FORSCHUNGSINSTITUT
FUER ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Univ.-Prof. Ing. Dr. Robert Trappl

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