Robot phonotaxis in the wild: a biologically inspired approach to outdoor sound localization

Authors: Andrew D. Horchler; Richard E. Reeve; Barbara Webb; Roger D. Quinn

Source: Advanced Robotics, Volume 18, Number 8, 2004 , pp. 801-816(16)

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Abstract:

Cricket phonotaxis (sound localization behavior) was implemented on an autonomous outdoor robot platform inspired by cockroach locomotion. This required the integration of a novel robot morphology (Whegs) with a biologically based auditory processing circuit and neural control system, as well as interfacing this to a new tracking device and software architecture for running robot experiments. In repeated tests, the robot is shown to be capable of tracking towards a simulated male cricket song over natural terrain. Range fractionation and gain control were added to the auditory control circuit in order to deal with the substantial change in amplitude of the signal as the robot approached the outdoor sound stimulus. We also discuss issues related to acoustic interference from motor noise, the need for a motor feedback mechanism to better regulate the drive signal and plans for future work incorporating additional sensory systems on this platform.

Keywords: AUTONOMOUS ROBOT; CRICKET PHONOTAXIS; BIOROBOTICS; SENSORY SYSTEMS; AUDITORY PROCESSING

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1163/1568553041738095

Publication date: 2004-12-01