Robots IAS aims to further the understanding of systems which must operate autonomously and exhibit 'intelligent' behaviour, that is make appropriate decisions without reference to any human assistance. A key philosophy is one of transfer of theoretical concepts to engineered realisation. Furthermore, the laboratory draws inspiration from evolutionary biology and studies in animal behaviour, artificial intelligence and artificial life. The laboratory has striven to create a pragmatic mix between research and development work covering the whole spectrum from 'blue skies' theoretical innovation, to concrete solutions for real problems.
Some systems are software or abstract.
Others are physical, including mobile robots, for which the laboratory is especially renowned. The laboratory notably incorporates a 144m 2 mobile robotics arena for conducting large-scale experiments in Collective Robotics. Support equipment includes both frequency hopping and spread spectrum radio LAN systems for communication with mobile robots. The adjacent 100m 2 workshop and technical office is well equipped for electronics and embedded software development including surface mount PCB design and electronics prototyping equipment, and accommodates two full-time robotics technicians. The laboratories team of researchers has many links with companies and other research centres home and abroad.