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The Logic of Interactive Biorobotics.
1RobotiCSS Lab - Laboratory of Robotics for the Cognitive and Social Sciences, Department of Human Sciences for Education, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
|August 1, 2020
Summary
Interactive biorobotics uses robots to stimulate living systems, differing from classical biorobotics. This study analyzes its unique methodology and logic, proposing a checklist for evaluating robot-animal interaction studies.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Life Sciences
- Philosophy of Science
Background:
- Robots are increasingly used to stimulate living systems in controlled experiments.
- This approach, termed interactive biorobotics, contrasts with classical biorobotics (simulation) and model-based science.
Purpose of the Study:
- To methodologically distinguish interactive biorobotics from classical biorobotics and model-based science.
- To analyze the logic of interactive biorobotics, differentiating between proximal and distal studies.
- To propose a checklist for justifying and evaluating interactive biorobotics research.
Main Methods:
- Methodological analysis of interactive biorobotics.
- Distinction between proximal (robot-animal hypotheses) and distal (animal-animal hypotheses) studies.
- Reflection on the relationship between experimental context and conclusion validity.
Main Results:
- Interactive biorobotics employs a novel use of models, distinct from "understanding by building."
- Distal studies present unique logical challenges in justification.
- A checklist is proposed to aid in the evaluation of interactive biorobotics studies.
Conclusions:
- Interactive biorobotics offers a distinct methodological approach in the life sciences.
- Understanding the logic of interactive biorobotics, especially distal studies, is crucial for validity.
- This framework supports the role of robots as tools for stimulating living systems.
