Project 3

AmoeBot is a small soft robot equipped with a compliant silicone body driven by artificial muscles. The robot is fully autonomous and capable of making
decisions in real-time thanks to neuromorphic hardware based on a power-efficient microcontroller that implements spiking neural networks. Part of the
computational processing is done by the body of AmoeBot itself that can act as a sensor. The soft body of AmoeBot makes it an excellent choice to
navigate rough terrains, perform reconnaissance and environmental monitoring. Our final goal is to create a swarm of fully autonomous AmoeBots and
use them for coordinated collective interaction.

A successful student will do 3D modelling (Blender, OpenSCAD), 3D print the body, test artificial muscle wires and incorporate them in the body. The
student will also perform basic programming on the microcontroller to drive the artificial muscles and implement neuromorphic controllers. We expect the student to work 10h/week over the two semesters.

We expect the student to have CAD models and 3D printed bodies with incorporated artificial muscles that can contract and elongate according to a
software control. This will subsidise research done in our group and will result in at least one conference publication and presentations at the NAU
Engineering Festival and UGrad Symposium