Sea Urchins as an Inspiration for Robotic Designs

• Main Authors: Klaus M. Stiefel, Glyn A. Barrett
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-10-01
• Series: Journal of Marine Science and Engineering
• Subjects: bionic engineering; bioinspired robots; neuromorphic systems; neuromorphic engineering; echinoderm; sea urchin; robotics; distributed control
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2077-1312/6/4/112

Neuromorphic engineering is the approach to intelligent machine design inspired by nature. Here, we outline possible robotic design principles derived from the neural and motor systems of sea urchins (Echinoida). Firstly, we review the neurobiology and locomotor systems of sea urchins, with a comparative emphasis on differences to animals with a more centralized nervous system. We discuss the functioning and enervation of the tube feet, pedicellariae, and spines, including the limited autonomy of these structures. We outline the design principles behind the sea urchin nervous system. We discuss the current approaches of adapting these principles to robotics, such as sucker-like structures inspired by tube feet and a robotic adaptation of the sea urchin jaw, as well as future directions and possible limitations to using these principles in robots.