Thesis Project Form
Title (tentative): Deciphering the novel principles of the octopus motor control| Thesis advisor(s): Casadio Maura, Giulio Sandini, Alessandra Sciutti, Letizia Zullo (IIT) | E-mail: |
| Address: Via Opera Pia 13, 16145 Genova (ITALY) | Phone: (+39) 010 33 52749 |
Description
Motivation and application domain
The octopus is an outstanding example of complex multi-functional behavior in a soft bodied animal. With its long, flexible arms and highly developed brain, the octopus has been an excellent source of inspiration for soft robots at least for the last 10 years . In this project, we aim at deciphering the organization of the arm motor control system employing techniques of in vivo brain recordings, spike sorting and motion kinematics.
General objectives and main activities
The goal of this thesis project is the characterization of octopus motor responses.
In order to accomplish this goal, the thesis has different aims:
- set up video recording system to record animal motion
- set up an in vivo recording system to monitor the activity of motor areas during motion in a freely behaving animal
- perform spike sorting analysis on in-vivo recordings
In order to accomplish this goal, the thesis has different aims:
- set up video recording system to record animal motion
- set up an in vivo recording system to monitor the activity of motor areas during motion in a freely behaving animal
- perform spike sorting analysis on in-vivo recordings
Training Objectives (technical/analytical tools, experimental methodologies)
1. Design and test electrodes for in-vivo recordings (single or multiple endings)
2. Data aquisition
3. Data analysis, application of spike sorting algorithm and/or kinematic analysis
4. Design experimental paradigms of motion display
2. Data aquisition
3. Data analysis, application of spike sorting algorithm and/or kinematic analysis
4. Design experimental paradigms of motion display
Place(s) where the thesis work will be carried out:
Additional information
Maximum number of students: 1