A hybrid creature learns to move

During the past three years our group experimented the growth of networks of human neural stem cells on a MEA (Microelectrode Array) support. The neurons were stimulated by digital patterns and the output signals were analysed. In previous experiments, the neurons replied selectively to different patterns and showed similar reactions in front of the presentation of identical or similar patterns [1]. Analyses performed with a novel Artificial Neural Network called ITSOM showed the possibility of decoding the neural responses to different patterns. In the described experiment, the neurons are connected to a robotic actuator: simulated perceptions stimulate the neurons that react with organized electric signals. The signals are decoded by the Artificial Neural Network, which drives a minirobot.