Neuro-Mechanical Networks as an Architecture for System Design

Computational Synthesis: From Basic Building Blocks to High Level Functionality

Volume

Papers from the 2003 AAAI Spring Symposium

Contents

In this paper it is shown how a simple neuro-mechanical network can be configured and tuned to perform a certain task, using optimization based on simulation. This would have the potential of creating structures that could be trained and adapted to perform certain actions. The basic components hardly exist at present. The objective here, however, is to study what they could be like and how they could be configured. Although the neuromechanical network systems are partly aimed towards future technologies, the concept of neuro-mechanical networks can be useful much sooner as it has meaning also at a micro or even macro level in order to realize highly robust flexible actuator systems. Another potential use is for design of more conventional system, with a minimum of components. Also it can be used as an explanatory model for some of the mechanics found in human body tissue.