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About

Karen M. Fleming is a pioneering researcher in neurorobotics, best known for her groundbreaking work in creating hybrid systems that bridge biological neural tissue with artificial robots. Her primary research areas include neural computation, sensory-motor learning, and the dynamical properties of neural tissues. Fleming's major contribution is the development of a closed-loop neuro-robotic system that connects the brainstem of a lamprey to a mobile robot, enabling real-time two-way communication between living neural tissue and a machine. This innovative platform allows for the study of how neural circuits adapt and learn through environmental interaction, offering profound insights into the computational principles underlying vertebrate nervous systems. Her most cited work, "Connecting Brains to Robots: An Artificial Body for Studying the Computational Properties of Neural Tissues" (2000), has garnered 122 citations, highlighting its significant impact on the field. Through her research, Fleming has established a new paradigm for investigating internal models, plasticity, and the dynamical dimensions of neural control, making her a key figure in advancing our understanding of how brains can be programmed to execute predetermined functions in artificial bodies.