The Honey Bee Brain

Why are we interested in the brain of the honeybee? What does this have to do with artificial intelligence. The Honeybee is another of biology's model organisms. It has been studied in great detail. Part of the reason for this is its importance to mankind as a producer of honey and wax. Thus we know lots about it's brain and its behaviour. This section of the website explains the behaviour of the bee and the structure of its brain. They are small but show a certain level of intelligence.

Emphasis on the relation between structure and function - hence half of this chapter deals with honeybee behaviour, the other half with brain structure. What sort of robot could be built using a reverse engineered technology. An artificial bee could conceivably be useful, perhaps to the military?

Conclusion: bee brain - although complex and not completely understood it is within reach, "only" 850,000 neurons. It can be simulated, or recreated on a chip (3D chip?).