This project aims to contribute to the scientific and technological advancements of life-like perception systems within the European Community by providing novel concepts for the integration of sensing-perception-action functions, based on exciting scientific work on biological paradigms and state-of-the-art developments in MEMS (MicroElectroMechanicalSystems), composite material science and electrophysiology.

In order to create integrated sensing-perception-response systems inspired by nature, many biological paradigms are possible for inspiration, ranging from unicellular organisms to highly complex beings such as higher animals and humans.

Among the many choices available, insects offer very good examples of life-like perception because they are sufficiently complex, but amenable to be characterized and quantified, so as to provide a suitable scientific and technical challenge with a realistic chance of success. The specific objectives of the project are related to the flow and the processing of information along the biological chain which establishes the links between sensing and action via perception. This flow of information depends on the specific physical, physiological and neurological characteristics of the various links.

CICADA is a truly transdisciplinary project combining first rate European expertise in sensory ecology, material sciences, MEMS technology and living computers. The project uses high technology of many kinds and will foster research in each of the above fields and help to bridge the gap between good engineering and good biology. By focusing on a sense which is peripheral to human beings – slightest air currents - this project helps to expand the sphere of biomimetic applications. The project covers all aspects of the sensing-perception-action line, it aims at artificial sensing topologies, sensor interfacing and sensor-fusion, neural network structures and decision making capabilities. Integrating the knowledge of many disciplines into one model system potentially offers great scientific and engineering oppor­tunities for biologists, neurologists, ecologists and engineers to simulate, mimic, investigate and apply the model features to specific applications.