Page 47 - Concise Encyclopedia of Robotics

Biomechatronics
the way nature builds things to get ideas for the construction of improved
ICs. The ultimate goal is a biochip that sprouts and evolves as a plant,
from a specially engineered “seed.”
See also INTEGRATED CIRCUIT.
BIOLOGICAL ROBOT
A biological robot is a hypothetical machine derived by cloning from
living organisms, and grown in a laboratory environment to perform
a specific function or set of functions. Research has been done in this
field, although true biological robots have not yet been fabricated or
grown.
Biological robots have served as characters in science-fiction stories.
The possibilities posed by this notion are limited only by the imagination.
There are ethical questions and problems in biological-robot research.
These issues are of such grave concern that some scientists refuse to work
in this field.
See also CYBORG.
BIOMECHANISM
A biomechanism is a mechanical device that simulates the workings of
some part of a living body. Examples of biomechanisms are mechanical
hands, arms, and legs, known in the medical field as prostheses. Especially,
the term applies to robotic devices that not only perform the functions of
their living counterparts, but look like them.
The term biomechanism can also be used in reference to some body
function. Thus, one might talk about the structure of a forearm and
hand, calling it a biomechanism. The human anatomy has, in fact,
proven to be an excellent model for the design of robotic devices.
See also BIOMECHATRONICS.
BIOMECHATRONICS
The word biomechatronics is a contraction of the words biology,mechanics,
and electronics. The field of biomechatronics is part of the larger realms
of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). Specifically, biomechatronics
involves electronic and mechanical devices that duplicate human body
parts and their functions.
Biomechatronics has received more attention in Japan than in the
United States. In Japan, some robot researchers attack their problems
with religious zeal. Not only would Japanese robotics engineers like to
build robots that can do all the things people can do, but some want their
robots to look like people, too. The ultimate biomechatronic device is an
android. Scientists generally agree that an intelligent android will not be
developed for many years.

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