Joseph Ayers

Joseph Ayers

Expertise:

  • Neurophysiology And Behavior Biomimetics

About Joseph Ayers

We build biomimetic robots based on simple neurobiological models, the lobster and sea lamprey. The robots feature a physical plant that captures the biomechanical advantages of the body form, a neuronal circuit-based controller, neuromorphic sensors, myomorphic actuators and a behavioral set based on action patterns, reverse engineered from movies of the animal models. Our controllers are based on neuronal circuits established from neurophysiology. To achieve real-time operation, we base our electronic neurons on nonlinear dynamical models of neuronal behavior rather than physiological models. We employ both UCSD electronic neurons and synapses (analog computers that solve the Hindmarsh-Rose equations) and discrete time map based neurons and synapses that are integrated on a DSP. Together these components provide an integrated architecture for the control of innate behavioral action patterns and reactive autonomy.

Contact

Mailing Address:

4 MSC (Marine Science Center), Nahant, MA 01908
Institutes, Labs & Research Centers
Biomimetic Underwater Robot Program
Marine and Environmental Sciences
Behavioral Neuroscience
Biology

Dr. Ayers’ research focus is on the neuroethology of motor systems in invertebrates and lower vertebrates and the application of this knowledge to the development of advanced robots.

Faculty

Publications:

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