07 July 2010
Robotic eye exhibition sheds light on how the brain works
Members of the public will be invited to learn about how the brain works at an innovative new exhibition this month (9-30 July 2010). Run by students at the University of Sheffield, the event will allow visitors to peer inside a robot´s head as it watches them.
Entitled `Inside TRAK´, the exhibition hopes to demonstrate just now much is really understood about brain function by giving people the opportunity to interact with a robotic eye, named TRAK.
TRAK is based on the human 'oculomotor' system - the part of the brain which decides what to look at and directs the gaze accordingly. The robot is able to look around the room and direct its gaze towards points of interest. For example, sudden movements in its visual field will attract its attention and a more detailed inspection. This will allow visitors to shape the dynamics of the exhibition as they try to attract TRAK´s gaze with various arm movements or gestures.
TRAK is developed by Professor Kevin Gurney, Dr Jon Chambers and PhD student Alex Cope from the Adaptive Behaviour Research Group in the University of Sheffield´s Department of Psychology. The group uses computational methods to help refine and develop our understanding of brain function. This particular model is part of the REVERB project – 'Reverse Engineering the Vertebrate Brain'. It aims to answer the question, 'how do we decide where to look?' by simulating those regions of the brain known to be involved in choosing between different possible actions.
Visitors will be able to monitor what TRAK perceives via a display of its visual field, but they will also be able to witness the simulated brain activity driving the robot eye. Real-time images of this neural activity will also be projected onto a large sculpture of the brain. In this way, the audience will be able to see the results of their interaction with TRAK not only in its movements, but also in a scientifically accurate visual representation of the brain's response to that interaction.
The exhibition will also include a series of events run by the exhibitors, including talks and workshops on the neuroscience and artistic concepts behind the project. The exhibition team are working with the Science Brainwaves group, which aims to engage the public in topical science issues.
This installation is a result of collaboration with new-media artist Dora Militaru, who is interested in art that operates on and around its interface with science and technology. Her generative art relies on scientific principles to influence the creative process.
Jen Lewis, a PhD student with the research group and member of Science Brainwaves said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for people to have fun with science and to really see how much we understand about how our brains work. We hope this exhibition will inspire visitors to find out more about science and see it as something that is exciting and accessible to everyone."
Dora said: "I am interested in the ways art can interact with science and technology, and also in how the latter may enable an augmented perception of the artistic experience. 'Inside TRAK' is an art-science encounter; the purpose is to create an interactive installation that "lives" beyond embodying a visual metaphor for the inner workings of the human brain and becomes part of the audience, then proceeds to explain how we choose to see the world."
The exhibition is free to enter and will take place at Access Space (Sydney Street, S1 4RG), which is open from 11am to 7pm. Notes for Editors: More information on the exhibition please visit the Inside TRAK link below.
Access Space is a lottery funded 'media lab' which focuses on sharing and supporting digital arts and creative works utilising software and technology.
For further information please contact: Lauren Anderson, Media Relations Officer, on 0114 2221046 or email l.h.anderson@sheffield.ac.uk
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