Touch and see: Physical interactions stimulating patterns in artificial cephalopod skin

Aaron Fishman, Sal Catsis, Martin Homer, Jonathan Rossiter

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Contribution (Conference Proceeding)

2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cephalopods (e.g., octopus, squid and cuttlefish) employ their colour-changing skin for rapid active camouflage and signalling in complex visual environments. This is achieved through the collective embodied intelligence of chromatophores: Pigment organs which stretch under electrical stimulation to affect local skin colouration, and are also responsive to physical stimulation. In this study, we present an experimental investigation of touch-responsive bioinspired artificial cephalopod skin fabricated from soft dielectric elastomer, a material that has the potential to mimic the actuation of biological chromatophore cells in both speed and optical modulation. We measure the behaviour of an interacting cyclic network of such artificial chromatophores, using local strain as the control input that drives cell actuation. By applying simple local feedback rules analogous to cellular automata, we demonstrate that physical stimulation can generate a variety of travelling wave-like patterns that mimic those seen in biological cephalopod skins.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2018 IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft 2018)
Subtitle of host publicationProceedings of a meeting held 24-28 April 2018, Livorno, Italy
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
Pages1-6
Number of pages6
ISBN (Electronic)9781538645161
ISBN (Print)9781538645178
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Event1st IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018 - Livorno, Italy
Duration: 24 Apr 201828 Apr 2018

Conference

Conference1st IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics, RoboSoft 2018
Country/TerritoryItaly
CityLivorno
Period24/04/1828/04/18

Research Groups and Themes

  • Tactile Action Perception
  • Engineering Mathematics Research Group

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