Locomotory
Presently at Georgia Tech, a bio-inspired nueral-control project (Sekerli and Butera) utilizes multiple methods that use biophysically-inspired neuron models to solve a classical control problem: the stabilization of the inverted pendulum. We are particlarly interested in stable oscillations, as well as the stable upright state. These two stated are analogous to walking and postural stability stability in bipedal mammals.
Project 1
Exoskeletalorthitic devices / nueromechanical templates if locomotion for prosthetics.
Young-Hui Chang School of Applied Physiology Georgia Tech
Studying locomotion in a more tractable species, like humans, allows us to test precise hypotheses in a very
controlled environment. We can then perturb environmental parameters to see how healthy subjects interact
with and respond to the physical constraints we place on them.
By adding mass to a runner while simultaneously simulating a reduced gravitational environment subjects were
able to run at a variety of different total body masses independent of their total body weight. Surprisingly,
we discovered that the peak forces generated on the ground (both vertical and horizontal forces) during running
are more strongly influenced by gravity than by inertia.
Project 2
NeuroLab Ting Group
Lena Ting School of Biomedical Engineering Georgia Tech
Neuromechanics is the study of the interactions between the nervous system and the musculoskeletal system that lead to coordinated movements. In our group, we study neuromechanical influences on muscle coordination during balance and locomotion. One of the main goals of the group is to develop experiments and computational models hat will allow us to understand spatial and temporal features of muscle coordination from a feedback control perspective. We use techniques from neuroscience, biomechanics, kinesiology, signal processing, control systems, physiology, and image processing. This work will allow us to better characterize and model normal and impaired performance of fundamental motor tasks. Our findings influence the development of rehabilitation techniques, neural prosthetics, and neural tissue engineering to improve motor function.
In addition, researchers Lena Ting and Young-Hui Chang of Emory and Georgia Tech Universities
are studying the biomechanics of flamingos in an effort to see what makes them so good at standing
on one leg all day. While reasoning behind this monopodistic silliness remains an unanswered
scientific question, they hope to apply the results to better prosthetics or physical therapy.
Although no one seems to know for certain why flamingos do it, the scientists hope that by
learning how, they will be able to help humans. "The flamingo's ability to balance on one
leg for long periods represents the extreme in balance control," said Chang. "It's a good model
to study."
The newest addition hatched Monday morning, weighing in at
just over 2 ounces, as gray and soft as a dandelion ripe for wish-making.
A few hours later, it stood briefly, then wobbled down to sit again. By
week's end, it will be standing on one foot for short periods. The scientists
hope to measure the progress of the hatchlings from the early stages until
they join the adult flock late this fall. Odd that the animals adorning
kooky old ladies' lawns might hold the key to better hip replacements for
the very same...
