Biomimetics, a major branch of robotics, aims to reproduce biological functions and apply them to engineering. Despite extensive research, robotics still heavily relies on conventional mechanical systems. As a result, traditional robotics primarily replicates basic functions and external appearances of living organisms, rather than their complex internal structures. In contrast, the body of an animal is intricate, with muscles, tissues, and skin arranged in a redundant, flexible system that is difficult to model mathematically. These organic structures are challenging to represent in conventional robotics, as they are seen as “ambiguous” and often overlooked in both analysis and design. To advance biomimetics, it is crucial to shift the focus from surface-level imitations to understanding the deep, organic relationships within living bodies. This approach can bridge the gap between robotics and biology by integrating biological principles into robotic design, benefiting both fields. The workshop aims to foster collaboration between robotics researchers and biologists, facilitating discussions on the deep tissues and internal structures of living organisms and their interrelationships. Roboticists will share their efforts to understand and mimic these structures, while biologists will provide insights into organisms’ deep structures and knowledge gaps. The goal is to identify challenges and share ideas for advancing biomimetics, paving the way for future research and development in the field.

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Organizers

Hiroyuki Nabae (Institute of Science Tokyo), Koichi Suzumori (Fukushima Institute for Research, Education and Innovation) , Akira Fukuhara (Tohoku University), Yoichi Masuda (The University of Osaka), Yasuji Harada (Nippon Veterinary and Life Science University), Megu Gunji (Toyo University)