Institut für Neuroinformatik

Our research in autonomous robotics is organized around the problems posed by robotic assistants, that is, partially autonomous robot systems that interact with human operators with whom they share a natural environment.

Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich

The "Neuromorphic Cognitive Robots" group at Institute of Neuroinformatics, University and ETH Zurich uses the DFT principles to build cognitive neural-dynamic architectures that can be realised in neuromorphic hardware — analogue and digital spiking neural networks on chip. The neuromorphic computing devices are interfaced to robotic sensors and motors, forming embodied neuromorphic platforms for validation of functional properties of the neuro-dynamic architectures in a closed behavioural loop. The group is interested in topics of long-term memory formation, sequence learning, learning of sensorimotor maps, spatial cognition and navigation, as well as autonomous learning.

University of East Anglia

Prof. John Spencer’s research focuses on how neural and cognitive dynamics change over learning and development. He is currently studying developmental changes in working memory, attention, inhibitory control, executive function, word learning, and spatial cognition and language. He uses functional neuroimaging technologies including near-infrared spectroscopy and fMRI as well as eye-tracking. Prof. Spencer’s research also targets advances in theory with pioneering work using concepts of dynamical systems theory and dynamic neural field models of cognition and action.