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COMMUNITY:
Project Descriptions

Collaborative Research: RoboBees: A Convergence of Body, Brain and Colony

September 1, 2009 - August 31, 2014 | Exhibitions
This project entails the creation of a coordinated colony of robotic bees, RoboBees. Research topics are split between the body, brain, and colony. Each of these research areas is drawn together by the challenges of recreating various functionalities of natural bees. One such example is pollination: Bees coordinate to interact with complex natural systems by using a diversity of sensors, a hierarchy of task delegation, unique communication, and an effective flapping-wing propulsion system. Pollination and other agricultural tasks will serve as challenge thrusts throughout the life of this project. Such tasks require expertise across a broad spectrum of scientific topics. The research team includes experts in biology, computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering, and materials science, assembled to address fundamental challenges in developing RoboBees. An integral part of this program is the development of a museum exhibit, in partnership with the Museum of Science, Boston, which will explore the life of a bee and the technologies required to create RoboBees.

Funders

NSF
Award Number: 0926148
Funding Amount: 9301955
NSF
Award Number: 0925751
Funding Amount: 698045

TEAM MEMBERS

  • Robert Wood
    Principal Investigator
    Harvard University
  • Radhika Nagpal
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Harvard University
  • J. Gregory Morrisett
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Harvard University
  • Gu-Yeon Wei
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Harvard University
  • Joseph Ayers
    Principal Investigator
    Northeastern University
  • Discipline: Computing and information science | Ecology, forestry, and agriculture | Life science | Technology
    Audience: General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals | Scientists
    Environment Type: Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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