The SpikerBot App
The SpikerBot app is the neural network simulator that controls the SpikerBot. It runs on multiple platforms and allows users to design and test custom brains in real-time.
Get it here: robot.backyardbrains.com.
How The App Works
- Drag and drop neurons from the panel on the left into the brain area.
- Drag the handle that appears under selected neurons to form synapses.
- Press Play to put your brain in control of the robot and see what it does.
Neurons
- Activity Mode - Neurons can be quiet or spontaneously active. They can generate spikes individually or in bursts.
- Synaptic Polarity - Neurons can either excite or inhibit their synaptic targets.
Neural Circuits
Recurrent Excitation is a neural circuit mechanism where neurons form feedback loops, reinforcing each other’s activity to sustain behaviors, such as memory or rhythmic movements. Disruptions in these loops are linked to neurological disorders like epilepsy and memory impairments.
Lateral Inhibition is a neural mechanism where interconnected neurons suppress each other, allowing only the strongest signal to dominate. It sharpens sensory perception (vision, hearing, touch) and supports clear decision-making. Impaired lateral inhibition contributes to conditions such as epilepsy, ADHD, and autism, where sensory processing or attention is disrupted.
How To Build Brains
- Define the target behavior.
- Break it into key components.
- Design a spiking neural network for each:
- Assign neurons (quiet/bursting, excitatory/inhibitory).
- Link sensors (color, object, location, distance).
- Connect neurons to effectors (motors, lights, speaker).
- Wire neurons together.
- Use inhibition to prevent conflicts.
Examples
Each example consists of a behavior and a brain that makes SpikerBot perform that behavior. Neurons are quiet and excitatory unless otherwise indicated.
Behavior: Avoid Obstacles
Brain: A neuron responds to distance detection, and drives both wheels backward while activating the speaker and turning red lights on.
Behavior: Approach Green
Brain: A neuron responds to a green visual target appearing to the left, and drives the right wheel forward. A second neuron responds to green appearing on the right, and drives the left wheel forward. Both neurons activate the speaker and turn on green lights.
Behavior: Explore
Brain: Five spontaneously active neurons drive the wheels in different directions. A single neurons is activated by distance detection and drives both wheels backward.
Behavior: Blink And Beep At Nearby People
Brain: Two neurons respond to people, and distance, respectively. Five neurons activate different light colors and speaker tones. A neuron sits inbetween. Both stimulus-detecting neurons synapse onto the in-between neuron with weak synapses (weight 15) so that both must be active to trigger a response. That neuron, in turn, activates the five output neurons.
Behavior: Sustained Movement
Brain: Two neurons strongly activate each other (forming a recurrent excitatory circuit that can sustain activation indefinitely). Each neuron drives one of the wheels forward. A neuron detects green and activates the recurrent circuit. A second, inhibitory neuron responds to red, and stops the recurrent circuit.
Behavior: Make Decisions
Brain: Two recurrent excitatory circuits drive the robot forward and backward, respectively. Two sensory neurons respond to green and red, respectively. The green-detecting neuron activates the forward circuit and inhibits the backward circuit. The red-detecting neuron has the opposite effect.
Behavior: Search For Green
Video: https://youtu.be/RObP80CZoho
Brain: Eight excitatory and one inhibitory neuron.
Behavior: Thigmotaxis
Brain: Fourteen excitatory and two inhibitory neurons.
Behavior: Chase Red
Brain: Thirteen excitatory and one inhibitory neuron.
Troubleshooting
- No Response from Robot: Check that it's turned on and charged.
- Wi-Fi Connection Issues: Ensure you're connected to the correct robot's Wi-Fi network. The robot's lights should change from blue to green when the Wi-Fi connection with your device is established.