Scientists have created a robot that can move around just like an insect, powered by a simple circuit capable of generating many complex behaviours. The circuit employs chaos theory the idea that systems are very sensitive to small changes, which can quickly become magnified. The robot, called AMOS, can use its simple circuit to respond to light and sound, pull its foot out of a hole, or run away from obstacles thrown in its path. Read the original research here: http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nphys1508 and Nature’s news story here: http://www.nature.com/news/2010/100117/full/news.2010.15.html
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