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Kyle Reed and James Sulzer built a simulation of rat whiskers. The project was suggested and guided by Prof. Mitra Hartmann, based on her studies of rat whiskers.
(click on images to enlarge) |
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A rat "whisks" its whiskers rhythmically. Kyle and James' device produces a similar motion by translating the back of the frame shown here. |
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Sensors at the base of each rat whisker detect curvature of the whisker. Kyle and James used flexible resistive curvature sensing strips in place of whiskers. The strips are modified so they only read curvature near the base. |
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Pegs can be placed at various distances, and the time record of curvature can be used to distinguish the distance and position of the peg (as rats can do very well). |
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Click on the image to see it in action. (quicktime movie) |