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NeuroRobotics

An artist's rendition of the Neurorobotics cluster in the ISEB building.

What is the NeuroRobotics focused research cluster?

The NeuroRobotics research cluster at Case Western Reserve University is producing bio-inspired robots for practical applications, building on the university's decades-long strength in adaptive behavior. The Roger E. Susi Interdisciplinary Research Building will support this highly interdisciplinary research, which is founded in the neurobiology of slugs, insects and other animals; abstracted into mathematical models; and embodied in robot models that climb walls, navigate turbulence and worm into confined spaces.

Instrumentation, Tools and Resources

  • Sandbox
  • Wave tank
  • Tracking environments
  • 3D printing environments

Meet Our Researchers

In order to translate these robots from the research lab into real-world environments, the NeuroRobotics boasts facilities capable of recreating challenging environmental conditions alongside the control and instrumentation of a research lab. These include a wave tank and a sandbox, where robots and invertebrates can be tested on a variety of natural surfaces and conditions. The space can be reconfigured to emulate lunar, martian, industrial and medical environments to suit ongoing and future projects. The robots developed in this cluster have a range of anticipated uses. Crab-like robots move hazardous debris to aid in surf-zone cleanup. Worm-like robots will squeeze into tight spaces to maintain infrastructure or search in rubble.

Problems that NeuroRobotics is Working to Solve

What can we learn from animals about intelligence and design of automated robots and cyber physical systems?  What can controllable models teach us about how animal intelligence works? These are just a couple of the questions NeuroRobotics is looking to answer. 

Explore NeuroRobotics Collaborations


NeuroRobotics News


Contact Us

To learn more about NeuroRobotics, contact cluster faculty lead Kathryn Daltorio or meet the team of researchers.