THE DESIGN AND CONTROL OF SMALL SWARMING BIOLOGICAL ANIMAL ROBOTS

This presentation introduces the scientific work of the BABOTS project, which explores a new frontier in bio-robotics: the design of biological animal robots. At the centre of this research is a remarkably simple organism, the roundworm C. elegans—a one-millimetre worm whose nervous system consists of just 302 neurons, making it an ideal model for studying behaviour, control and adaptation.

The project advances along four interconnected research directions. First, it uses synthetic biology techniques to reprogram animal behaviour through targeted genetic modifications. Second, it combines controlled laboratory observations with behavioural analysis to uncover causal links between environmental stimuli and the worm’s responses. Third, it develops mathematical and computational models to test hypotheses, validate predictions and explore alternative behavioural strategies. Finally, it addresses the ethical questions raised by the development and potential use of biological animal robots.

The talk will present the latest progress across these four areas, offering insight into both the scientific challenges and the broader implications of this emerging field.

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