Symbiotic Multi-Robot Organisms: Reliability, Adaptability, Evolution

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.