summary: Researchers have achieved a significant advance in robotics by using a musculoskeletal model to recreate human-like variable speed gait. The model is operated by reflex control methods similar to the human nervous system, deepening our understanding of human locomotion and establishing new standards in robotics technology.
In this study, we utilized an innovative algorithm to optimize energy efficiency at different walking speeds. This breakthrough paves the way for future innovations in bipedal robots, prosthetic limbs, and powered exoskeletons.
Important facts:
- A team from Tohoku University has successfully recreated the human walking mechanism in a robotic model, reflecting the complexity of the human musculoskeletal and nervous systems.
- Advanced algorithms were developed to optimize energy efficiency, which is critical to replicating the natural variable speed gait of humans.
- This research has tremendous potential for advances in bipedal robots, prosthetic limbs, and powered exoskeletons, improving mobility solutions and everyday robotics.
sauce: Tohoku University
We usually don’t think about it while walking, but walking is a complex task. Controlled by our nervous system, bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues (musculoskeletal system) move in a coordinated manner and are highly efficient at varying speeds and against unexpected changes and disturbances. must correspond. Reproducing this using robot technology is not an easy task.
Now, a research group at the Tohoku University Graduate School of Engineering has recreated human-like variable-speed walking using a musculoskeletal model that is steered by a reflex control method that reflects the human nervous system. This breakthrough in biomechanics and robotics sets a new standard in understanding human movement and paves the way for innovative robotics technology.
Details of their research were published in the journal PLoS Computational Biology January 19, 2024.
“Our research tackled the complex challenge of reproducing efficient walking at various speeds, which is the basis of the human walking mechanism,” says Professor Shunsuke Koseki and Professor Mitsuhiro Hayashibe, who led the research. Co-author Associate Professor Dai Owaki points out.
“These insights are critical to pushing the boundaries of understanding human locomotion, adaptation, and efficiency.”
This achievement was thanks to an innovative algorithm. The algorithm evolved beyond traditional least squares to help devise a neural circuit model that optimizes energy efficiency at different walking speeds.
Intensive analysis of these neural circuits, particularly those controlling the swing phase muscles of the legs, has revealed key elements of energy-saving walking strategies. These findings deepen our understanding of the complex neural network mechanisms that underpin human gait and its effectiveness.
Owaki emphasizes that the knowledge uncovered in this study will help lay the foundation for future technological advances.
“The successful emulation of variable-speed gait in a musculoskeletal model, combined with advanced neural circuitry, represents a pivotal advance in the fusion of neuroscience, biomechanics, and robotics. It will revolutionize the design and development of robots, advanced prosthetics, and cutting-edge powered exoskeletons.”
Such developments have the potential to improve mobility solutions for individuals with disabilities and advance robotic technology used in daily life.
Looking to the future, Owaki and his team hope to further refine the reflex control framework to mimic a wider range of human walking speeds and movements. They also plan to apply insights and algorithms from their research to create more adaptive and energy-efficient prosthetics, powered suits, and bipedal robots. This involves integrating identified neural circuits into these applications to enhance their functionality and naturalness of movement.
About this robot research news
author: public relations
sauce: Tohoku University
contact: Public Relations – Tohoku University
image: Image credited to Neuroscience News
Original research: Open access.
“Identifying elements essential for energy-efficient gait control at a wide range of speeds in the reflex-based musculoskeletal system” Written by Dai Owaki et al. PLOS Computational Biology
abstract
Identifying elements essential for energy-efficient gait control at a wide range of speeds in the reflex-based musculoskeletal system
Humans can generate and maintain a wide range of walking speeds while optimizing energy efficiency. Understanding the complex mechanisms governing human gait will contribute to engineering applications such as energy-efficient bipedal robots and walking aids. Reflex-based control mechanisms that generate motor patterns in response to sensory feedback have shown promise in generating human-like gait in musculoskeletal models.
However, precise adjustment of speed remains a major challenge. This limitation makes it difficult to identify reflex circuits essential for energy-efficient walking. To investigate reflex control mechanisms and better understand energy-efficient maintenance mechanisms, we extend reflex-based control systems to be able to control walking speed based on target speed.
We developed a novel performance-weighted least squares (PWLS) method to design a parameter modulator that optimizes locomotion efficiency while maintaining the target velocity of reflex-based bipedal locomotor systems.
We successfully generated a walking gait between 0.7 and 1.6 m/s in a two-dimensional musculoskeletal model based on the target velocity input in the simulation environment. A detailed analysis of parameter modulators in reflection-based systems reveals two important reflection circuits that have a significant impact on energy efficiency.
Furthermore, it was confirmed that this finding was not affected by the settings of parameters such as leg length, perceived time delay, and objective cost function weighting factors.
These discoveries provide a powerful tool to explore the neural basis of motor control, shedding light on the complex mechanisms underlying human gait, and have great potential for practical engineering applications. I am.