Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA) - Amélioration d’un capteur optique pour mesurer les forces de réaction au sol générées par les insectes lors de leur locomotion

Most research on insect locomotion focuses on kinematics, describing the movement of different body parts during locomotion.
Studies on locomotion dynamics are scarce due to the need to measure external forces acting on the organism, particularly ground reaction forces related to gravity.
A collaboration between CRCA and LAAS has developed an optical sensor based on image analysis of silicone micropillars deforming under the insect's weight to measure ground reaction forces.
This sensor allows simultaneous measurement of support forces on multiple insect legs, setting it apart from existing systems.
The sensor is currently a prototype for proof of concept, with funding secured for further development and demonstration.
The intern's tasks will include:
Building an aluminum frame to hold the sensor and related components (cameras, lenses, filters, lighting).
Manufacturing a new sensor using an existing resin mold (cleanroom work).
Conducting precise calibration and calibration of the sensor.

Amélioration d’un capteur optique pour mesurer les forces de réaction au sol générées par les insectes lors de leur locomotion