Robotics as a future and emerging technology: Biomimetics, cybernetics, and neuro-robotics in European projects

Currently, the European Commission in the Fifth Program, in the Information Society Technology-Future and Emerging Technologies (IST-FET) program, is funding three projects focusing on the evolution of the biomechatronic paradigm. The BIOLOCH Project is involved in a sophisticated hardware imitating the mechanisms of low-level animals. The hardware shows that animals can reach a high degree of effectiveness by overcoming the limitations of control problems. The CYBERHAND Project explores the application of bionic systems with a moderate level of intelligence to be integrated in humans. It proposes the development of a cybernetic hand prosthesis connected to the nervous system by means of specific interfaces implementing a lifelike perception and control of a specific biomechatronic hand prosthesis. Finally, the PALOMA project explores the application of robotics in the study of man, by providing artificial platforms for validating neuroscientific models.