Ant-Like Walking Behavior of MEMS Microrobot With Artificial Neural Networks IC

Abstract

This chapter explains how the MEMS microrobot system could perform the walking behavior of ants. MEMS microrobot system consists of micro-mechanical systems and micro-electro systems. The micro-mechanical systems mimic the alternating tripod gait of an ant by the shape memory alloy-type rotary actuator and the link mechanism. The micro-electro systems mimic the electrical activity of biological neural networks using the artificial neural networks IC. The artificial neural networks IC generates the driving pulses of shape memory alloy-type rotary actuator without using software programs. The micro-mechanical systems and micro-electro systems are integrated as a robot system. As a result, the authors show that the MEMS microrobot system could perform the ant-like walking behavior with a speed of 20 mm/min. The MEMS microrobot system was 0.079 g in weight, 4 mm width, 4 mm length, and 5 mm height in size. The robot system needs only the electrical power source as an external device.

Artificial neuronal networks are revolutionizing entomological research

“…These robots can be used to study insect behaviour in controlled laboratory settings, providing insights into the ecological and biological systems of insects. The use of AI in the development of robotic insects enables researchers to create robots that closely mimic the movements and behaviour of real insects (Manoonpong et al., 2013; Saito et al., 2018). Insect‐like robots can be programmed to navigate through complex environments by avoiding collisions (Balasubramanian et al., 2018), and in future, these robots will also respond to environmental cues and interact with other insects (e.g., bees), providing a realistic agent for the study of insect behaviour (Stefanec et al., 2022).…”