Bio-inspired augmented reality: an interactive, digital twin of C. elegans

Abstract

This work presents a digital twin of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), an organism whose biology has been extensively studied. The digital twin can emulate neuronal activity and the corresponding muscle activity, and performs basic locomotion movement. The underlying mathematical model of C. elegans can be realized directly as an electronic circuit and is additionally implemented as a ready-to-use simulation in software. We implemented the digital twin in augmented reality (AR) as a novel format that extends the content of a traditional paper with an interactive visualization in the real world. The figures in the paper are the anchor point for the AR that can be accessed by the readers via an open-source app, which is freely available for tablets, phones, and AR glasses. This enables immersive experiences of the three-dimensional visualization in the real world from a perspective chosen by the reader, supplementing the traditional, flat figure layout of the paper. For researchers, the digital twin further provides a useful tool that is highly relevant and versatile for future developments. At the same time, its manifold possibilities for scientific outreach also aim at making the topic more engaging for a broader audience.