Biology uses embodied intelligence to realize elegant motions, which are still unmatched in robotics. Using cross-disciplinary knowledge transfer, multiple human and robotic experiments were carried out within my work in the last years to advance both fields. All experimental findings are combined with exciting intrinsic motions in a highly compliant quadruped to naturally develop six distinct gait patterns with minimal control, emphasizing the advantage of the integration of robotics and biology research.
Grasshoppers and Crickets are fast and powerful jumpers, both with high take-off velocities, and large amounts of body spin. I will discuss how they generate these jumps, and look at how they budget their energy to distribute it between linear velocity and angular spin. Looking at two model species across a wide range of sizes reveals constants in how insects allocate energy between spin and velocity. Consequently, the relationship between angular spin and linear velocity seem deeply and rigidly connected. External manipulation then shows that these connections are a matter of 'preference' instead of a matter of physics, and thus spinning during a jump is biologically advantageous.
In this presentation, we'll introduce the Discrete Element Method (DEM), a powerful numerical technique for simulating granular systems. Recent advances in GPU computations have made it possible to simulate complex problems that were previously unsolvable. By modeling realistic interactions between particles using simple rules such as friction and collision detection, DEM can reveal fascinating behavior in seemingly chaotic systems. We'll demonstrate the potential of DEM by applying it to agricultural machines, where accurate simulations can revolutionize our understanding of crop-machine interactions and improve equipment design for better efficiency and yield.
Insect wings are not just aerodynamic surfaces—they are also highly sophisticated sensory organs. During flight, they continuously deform under the combined influence of aerodynamic, inertial, and elastic forces. Embedded within insect wings is a diverse array of mechanosensors that rapidly encode complex wing states. In this talk, Dr. Uhrhan will explore how the position and structure of these sensors contribute to insect flight control, shedding light on the remarkable multifunctionality of insect wings.
The presentations will be broadcast via the ZOOM video conferencing system.
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Link: hs-bremen.zoom.us/j/98960999390
Please note the privacy policy regarding the use of ZOOM. Admission is approximately 10 minutes before the start. We look forward to your attendance!
Albert Baars
