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

Centre de Recherches sur la Cognition Animale (CRCA)

StageSur site4 à 6 moisRémunéréDate limite : 3 nov. 2025
Sciences de l’ingénieurElectroniqueSciences de l’ingénieur

Postuler

Description

  • 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.