The idea to use nature as a model for human technology is an old one. Sensors are an integral part of many engineered products, systems, manufacturing processes, monitoring, safety and a number of other benefits. However, when a large number of sensors are embedded in the artefacts or deployed to monitor environment considerable amounts of sensed data are not of interest, having no value or redundant. A new type of bioinspired sensors is expected to ensure quality of sensed data in data-intensive applications. Biological inspiration has the potential to improve sensor designs as well as inspire innovative ones. This project presents the design of an innovative, biologically-inspired sensors that performs processing through mechanical means. In a reductionist view, biological organisms operate in much the same way that engineered systems operate, each part or piece in the overall system has a function. An incredible variety of nature sensors exist for navigation, spatial orientation, prey and object detection, etc. which provide engineers new ideas, new sensor technology and potential for sensor miniaturization (micro/nano MEMS). Adapting features and characteristics of biological systems can significantly advance engineered systems, which has resulted in novel designs and improved sensor technology. Project will concentrate on the environment, that is, on the reception of mechanical stimulus. It will draw from research conducted with insects and concentrate on biomechanical rather than neurobiological aspect. The goal is to apply approaches and methods used by physics/mechanics to biological phenomena. To understand the mechanosensing system and behavior of the insect to the stimulus, the computational multiphysics modelling of the mechanoreceptor, analysis of the stimulus for complex sensor system will be used. The results of the project are expected to be applied in the development of a new type of bioinspired complex sensor system with self-regulation function.
Project funding:
Projects funded by the Research Council of Lithuania (RCL), Projects carried out by researchers’ teams
Project results:
The project plans to develop a concept of insect mechanoreceptor activity that could be used for physical environmental monitoring
Period of project implementation: 2024-09-02 - 2027-08-31
Project coordinator: Kaunas University of Technology
