Why the Next Generation of Robots May Be Based on Ants and Fish

Nagpal studies creatures that demonstrate collective intelligence--a body of knowledge possessed by a group that it uses to solve problems. Army ants are a good example: Millions of them work together to complete tasks, such as building nests, without any leader in charge. The insects will even create bridges and ladders out of their own bodies to allow fellow ants to traverse gaps and rough terrain. Other organisms, from cells to flocks of birds to schools of fish also exhibit collective intelligence as they move in sync with one another.