Primate locomotion has typically been studied from two points of view. Laboratory-based researchers have focused on aspects like biomechanics and energetics, whereas field-based researchers have focused on (locomotor) behaviour and ecology. Unfortunately, to date, there is relatively little scientific exchange between both groups. With a book, which will be the result of a symposium on the 2008 Meeting of the International Primatological Society in Edinburgh, we would like to bring together laboratory and field-based primate locomotion studies. We are convinced this will be beneficial for both research lines. For example, biomechanists might wonder how frequently the locomotor style they study in the lab actually occurs in nature, and field workers might use calculated costs of locomotion to understand why certain locomotor behaviours are favoured under specific conditions. Thus, on the one hand, an established link between both groups may help interpret the results by using each other’s findings. On the other hand, recent technological advances (e.g. portable high-speed cameras) make it possible to bridge the gap between lab-based and field-based research by actually collecting biomechanical data in situ. Again, communication between both groups is necessary to identify the specific needs and start up achievable and successful research projects in the field. In order to generate a wide interest, we have invited biomechanists, ecologists, and field-based researchers who combine both disciplines, and we hope their combined contributions will facilitate lasting cooperation between the mentioned disciplines and stimulate innovative research in Primatology. We are convinced that the most appropriate format to publish the different symposium contributions is a conference volume within an existing book series. Firstly, the chapters will not only contain new data but will also review existing data and elaborate on potential future work – more so than can be done in a journal article. Secondly, the combination of chapters will form an entity that is more valuable than the sum of the separate chapters and therefore they need to be presented together. Lastly, this volume will benefit from the typically long "shelf life" of a book in a renowned series, allowing it to be used as reference book for both researchers and students.

Movement and locomotion have always been key activities for all animals, being related to the most crucial life functions: retrieving food, facing environmental issues and mating. Humans developed complex upper arms movements and bipedal gaits in order to move and locomote. To enhance their performance, they started inventing smart passive mechanical tools. This need arose from intrinsic limitations of their muscle–joint–bone systems and metabolic power availability. Newly invented devices were mainly introduced in order to cope with such constraints. The aim of this Special Issue is to advance knowledge regarding symmetry, biomechanics and energetics of passively assisted human movement and locomotion.

This dissertation explores one of the most ubiquitous aspects of human daily life: the interaction of the foot with the ground while walking bipedally in our environment. Specifically, this dissertation examines the mechanics of the foot-ground interaction during walking outside of the confines of the laboratory and the link between this foot-ground interaction and the energetic cost of locomotion. The first study examined the magnitude of the peak forces occurring at the foot across different velocities and surfaces and found that treadmill walking results in significantly different force magnitudes than free walking. The second study examined the location of the center of pressure on the foot during these peak forces across various terrains and velocities, as well as the consistency of these locations. The results showed that the location of the center of pressure during peak braking is consistently less consistent than during peak propulsion. Finally, the third study explored the relationship between the energetic cost of locomotion and various gait parameters, concluding that the energetic cost of walking is closely related to the magnitude of anteroposterior ground reaction forces as well as the time duration of foot-ground contact during the gait cycle. These results highlight the importance of exploring habitual human locomotion outside of the confines of the laboratory to fully understand the mechanics and energetic cost of walking.

Bioinspired Legged Locomotion: Models, Concepts, Control and Applications explores the universe of legged robots, bringing in perspectives from engineering, biology, motion science, and medicine to provide a comprehensive overview of the field. With comprehensive coverage, each chapter brings outlines, and an abstract, introduction, new developments, and a summary. Beginning with bio-inspired locomotion concepts, the book's editors present a thorough review of current literature that is followed by a more detailed view of bouncing, swinging, and balancing, the three fundamental sub functions of locomotion. This part is closed with a presentation of conceptual models for locomotion. Next, the book explores bio-inspired body design, discussing the concepts of motion control, stability, efficiency, and robustness. The morphology of legged robots follows this discussion, including biped and quadruped designs. Finally, a section on high-level control and applications discusses neuromuscular models, closing the book with examples of applications and discussions of performance, efficiency, and robustness. At the end, the editors share their perspective on the future directions of each area, presenting state-of-the-art knowledge on the subject using a structured and consistent approach that will help researchers in both academia and industry formulate a better understanding of bioinspired legged robotic locomotion and quickly apply the concepts in research or products. Presents state-of-the-art control approaches with biological relevance Provides a thorough understanding of the principles of organization of biological locomotion Teaches the organization of complex systems based on low-dimensional motion concepts/control Acts as a guideline reference for future robots/assistive devices with legged architecture Includes a selective bibliography on the most relevant published articles