TITLE : Exploring the physics of living systems using programmable self-propelled robots
ABSTRACT :
Living organisms exhibit complex phenomena such as self-propulsion, sensing, decision-making, and navigation. Inspired by these capabilities, we present a programmable robotic platform as a model experimental system to explore the physics of living matter. Our robots are self-propelled, equipped with infrared and light-intensity sensors, and process real-time environmental cues to display life-like dynamics. First, we show how we benchmark their behaviour by reproducing established models like active Brownian motion. Later, we will provide an experimental demonstration of animal homing using light-guided navigation, uncovering universal characteristics in homing trajectories that resemble certain features of real pigeon trajectories. Finally, we explore biologically inspired phenomena of run-and-tumble-like dynamics observed in microorganisms like algae and bacteria. By improvising our experimental setup, we mimic such dynamics and elucidate the role of physical coupling in the emergence of such complex motility behaviour. Taken together, this platform provides a powerful tool to investigate the physical principles underlying biological motility and navigation.
MEETING DETAILS :
Speaker: Dr. Nitin Kumar, Associate Professor, IIT Bombay, Mumbai
Venue: A4 Conference Room, South Campus, IIT Mandi
Date and Time: Tuesday, June 3, 2025, 03:00 pm (IST)