This title is printed to order. This book may have been self-published. If so, we cannot guarantee the quality of the content. In the main most books will have gone through the editing process however some may not. We therefore suggest that you be aware of this before ordering this book. If in doubt check either the author or publisher’s details as we are unable to accept any returns unless they are faulty. Please contact us if you have any questions.
It is our pleasure to contribute the forewordto this book on symbiotic mul- robot organisms, which is largely based on the scienti?c ?ndings and exp- rations of two major EU research projects, Symbrion and Replicator, funded under the Seventh Framework Programme for Research and Technological 1 development (FP7) . FP7 emphasises consortia of European partners, tra- national collaboration, open coordination, ?exibility and excellence of - search and plays a leading role in multidisciplinary research and cooperative activities in Europe and beyond. Its impact is major in terms of integrating and structuring research communities across national borders to achieve a critical mass, providing the leverage for high-potential ?elds to take o?, and encouraging healthy competition at European level while avoiding unn- essary duplication of research capacities. Research proposals are evaluated through a demanding peer-review process and only the best are selected to be funded bythe EuropeanCommission(EC). The InformationandCom- nication Technologies(ICT) theme has set out a number of challengeswithin this context, which cover topics such as cognitive systems, modular robotics, adaptive systems and societies of artefacts. * Symbrion was selected following the Call Pervasive Adaptation of the 2 Future and Emerging Technologies (FET) programme area. Itstarted on 1 February 2008 and will run for 5 years. FET Proactive addresses evolutionary and revolutionary approaches through multidisciplinary - operation and investigates new future technology options in response to emerging societal and industrial needs and identi?es new drivers for - search.
