Future Works

  In future work, we would like to develop new rat-robots with additional functions, such as voice communication, or arm for grooming. We will then try to train rats to these robot’s functions. We believe that this robot's ability to autonomously show its functions is one basic factor necessary for a symbiotic relationship between creature and robots.
　 And we would like to develop a new system which can measure physiological changes in the rat and recognize the rat's emotions. This will enable us to develop a more suitable robot for symbiosis.
　 Through these kinds of experiment, interaction experiments between rats and robots, we would like to create a model of symbiosis between creatures including humans, and robots. We will perform more interaction experiments and approach the creature-robot symbiosis step by step.

Acknowledgement

 A part of this study was conducted at the Humanoid Research Institute (HRI), Waseda University. The authors would like to express their thanks to Okino Industries LTD, OSADA ELECTRIC CO.LTD, SHARP CORPORATION, Sony Corporation, Tomy Company LTD and ZMP IMC.We also would like to express our thanks to Solid Works Corp., Advanced Research Institute for Science and Engineering of Waseda University and Prof. Hiroshi Kimura for their supports of our studies.