Introduction to Biorobotics

As we all know that robotics is a branch that deals with concept of creating machines that can operate autonomously but biorobotics is a subfield of robotics which deals with making of robots that emulate or simulate living biological organisms mechanically or even chemically. In its infancy, this field was known as synthetic biology because of creation of organisms by artificial means. But now, biorobotics can be referred to as a theoretical discipline of comprehensive genetic engineering in which organisms are created and designed by artificial means. Also we can say that , the creation of life from non-living matter would be biorobotics. Biologically-inspired robots have greater mobility and flexibility than traditional robots and often possess sensory abilities.

Let us take an example of human brain . As we all know that in robotics we use microchips as a substitute of brain. But biologically, human brain consists of millions of neurons to transfer signal fron one neuron to another neuron so as to give proper stimulus to a receptor. But in biorobotics , we switch to biological brain instead of microchips. In this area , instead of microchips we use artificial ganglions (nerve cell clusters ) or cultured or artificial neurons which get input from sensors on robot body and gives output to robot’s body in the form of motor signals. This is how ,biorobotics work.

Fields of Biorobotics :

•Bionics (combination of two branches ( biology and electronics)

•Cybernetics (scientific study of control and communication in animal and machine.)

•Genetic engineering (scientific study of control and communication in animal and machine.)

Biorobotics encompasses a diverse array of disciplines with a myriad of applications. For example researchers are developing artificial sensing skin that can detect pressure as contact is made with an object. They are also exploring the potential for early diagnosis of autism by monitoring sensory-motor development through mechatronic-sensorized toys, such as rattles with force and contact sensors. It is also being used to assist in actual surgeries, allowing for more precise and less invasive interventions.

Biorobotics covers all the fields of biomedical engineering like tissue engineering ,neural engineering . As we have read above that researchers are developing artificial sensing skin and for this tactile sensors are important not only for self-standing robots and limb prostheses but as a means of restoring the sense of touch to diabetics with peripheral neuropathy by mimicking sensations normally gleaned by fingerpads and feet. So ,this application of biorobotics requires contributions from biomedical engineers studying tissue engineering , neural engineering, biomimetics (bionics) and BioMEMS (Biological MicroElectroMechanicalSystem).This field is providing great opportunities for biomedical engineers as well as for the people showing interest in biomechatronics , bionics .

To know more about this field, you can go through given links:

http://biorobotics.eng.uci.edu/

http://biorob.epfl.ch/