Yuxin Wu

Biological neural networks exhibit significantly greater capability and resilience than artificial neural networks. However, how this capability and resilience are achieved over individual neurons remains unknown. To address this key barrier, I will leverage spiking neural networks (SNNs), neuromorphic chips, and robotics systems to conduct comparison studies between computational models and awake, behaving animals. I propose to engineer an SNN-based robotic experimental platform able to test hypotheses of the control strategies adopted by brains, as well as the recovery process after brain injuries. This study has value for both basic neuroscience research and future neuroprosthetic applications.