The Flowers team studies the mechanisms of sensorimotor, cognitive and social development in humans and machines. On the one hand, we construct machines and robots, inspired by animal cognitive development, and capable of lifelong development, adaptation and interaction with the physical and social world. On the other hand, we
elaborate computer and robotic models as tools for understanding developmental processes in humans, for example to understand the evolution and acquisition of language.
We regularly work with artists to jointly explore fundamental questions about humans and machines, as well as to create novel access perspectives to science for the general public. Our work also provides tools that can be used by artists. Here are several examples of recent projects we conducted.
The Ergo-Robot Experiments, at Fondation Cartier pour l’Art Contemporain
This is joint work with movie maker David Lynch, on the mechanisms of curiosity and language invention in humans and robots. David Lynch designed the robot heads, as well as the egg structure in which they cognitively and socially grow. It was shown for exhibition “Mathematics: A Beautiful Elsewhere”.