Mechanical Intelligence

Mechanical intelligence (MI) explores how the physical properties of a system, particularly its mechanics, can simplify control and enhance performance, reducing the computational burden on traditional controllers. Current research focuses on developing MI in robots through methods like incorporating compliant materials and leveraging physical reservoir computing within metamaterials to achieve adaptive behaviors, such as obstacle avoidance in aquatic and terrestrial environments. This interdisciplinary field bridges robotics, materials science, and computational neuroscience, promising advancements in autonomous systems with improved efficiency, robustness, and adaptability for applications ranging from search and rescue to planetary exploration.