IROS 2025 Workshop

Bio-inspired perception represents a transformative frontier for robotics, offering novel solutions to enhance autonomy and adaptability in dynamic, unstructured environments. This workshop focuses on cutting-edge bio-inspired sensing technologies, including lateral line perception (emulating fish mechanoreceptors for hydrodynamic sensing), whisker-based tactile systems (inspired by mammalian vibrissae for object recognition in low-visibility environments), and others. These mechanisms replicate the precision of natural sensory organs to develop integrated robotic systems capable of real-time environmental mapping, target identification, and adaptive navigation in challenging scenarios such as turbid waters, cluttered terrains, or low-light conditions.

The workshop further explores sensing technologies in bio-inspired robotics, including soft robotics and aerial robots. A key innovation lies in bridging robotics, biology, and sensor engineering to address a critical challenge: translating biological principles into energy-efficient, scalable sensor technologies for real-world deployment. For example, artificial lateral lines—inspired by fish sensory systems—enable underwater robots to detect hydrodynamic disturbances, facilitating collision avoidance in marine exploration. Similarly, whisker-inspired tactile arrays empower mobile robots to recognize object textures and shapes in complete darkness. These advancements directly enhance robotic autonomy, enabling applications in environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue missions, and industrial automation. The workshop will feature interdisciplinary dialogues on biological principles, sensor design, and robotic applications.