A System for Automated Interaction with the Cricket Utilizing a Micro Mobile Robot

This paper describes our trials in developing automated interaction systems with crickets by using a micro mobile robot for attracting pheromone behavior. The cricket Gryllus bimaculatus modifies its behavior based on experience that is based on pheromone interactions between individuals. In developing systems, a micro mobile robot with a cricket’s head is controlled based on online visual tracking information. In this paper, we describe implementing automated micro mobile robot control based on image processing and attempt experimental trials in interaction between the cricket and micro mobile robot. The cricket shows a typical response to the pheromone stimulus for approaching by the micro mobile robot. Results also show that the developed system could contribute to novel biological research, for example, manipulable experimental conditions for interactive experiments.