Our guest speaker will be talking about the latest in space robotics!

He is Professor Carlo Menon from Simon Frasier University. Check out his web page.

Space Robotics and Biomimetics

Biological systems represent millions of years of trial-and-error learning through natural selection according to the most stringent of metrics: survival. “Biomimetics” may be defined as the practice of “reverse engineering” ideas and concepts from nature and implementing them in a field of technology. This reverse engineering has recently attracted significant research due to an increasing realization that many of the problems faced by engineers are similar to those already solved by nature.
Groups of researchers in different Space Agencies view biomimetics as a means of finding new and realistic technologies for application in future space robotic missions. The research is not concerned with mere imitation of biological systems, but rather focuses on understanding the fundamental processes and mechanisms used in nature, in order to discover promising concepts valuable to space engineering. Benefits are expected in areas as diverse as sensors, actuators, smart materials, locomotion, intelligent behavior and autonomous operations.