Biomimetics: new tools for an old myth

A recent Vth Framework call for proposals, Neuroinformatics for "living artefacts", is focused on basic research on systems that possess properties akin to those of living organisms to explore new synergies between Neurosciences and Information Technologies. This is evidence of the growing awareness amongst scientists and more significantly, politicians, of the importance of basic research in the field of biomimetics in order to help one better understand the world around one, as well as a stepping stone to improving the man-technology interface. The purpose of this keynote lecture is to lead one along new avenues which combined with state of the art materials science and microfabrication technologies, could provide the key to creating truly biomimetic systems that are capable of dynamic growth, self organisation and possess sensory motor mechanisms.