Researchers Create Robot Driven by Moth's BrainNovember 19th,
2007 in Medicine & Health / Medical research Robo-Moth: UA robot
driven by moth's brain. In a notion taken from science fiction
afficionados, University of Arizona researchers presented a
robot that moves by using the brain impulses of a moth at the
37th annual Society for Neuroscience meeting in San Diego.
Charles M. Higgins, UA associate professor of electrical and
computer engineering, and doctoral student Timothy Melano
presented their findings and outlined the mechanics behind the
robot’s movements. The robot’s motion is guided by a tiny
electrode implanted in the moth’s brain, Higgins said,
specifically to a single neuron that is responsible for keeping
the moth’s vision steady during flight. The neuron transmits
electrical signals which are then amplified in the robot's base
and through a mathematical formula, a computer translates the
signals into action, making the robot move. The moth is
immobilize inside a plastic tube mounted atop the 6