The model-based investigation of motions of anthropomorphic systems is an important interdisciplinary research topic involving specialists from many fields such as Robotics, Biomechanics, Physiology, Orthopedics, Psychology, Neurosciences, Sports, Computer Graphics and Applied Mathematics. This book presents a study of basic locomotion forms such as walking and running is of particular interest due to the high demand on dynamic coordination, actuator efficiency and balance control. Mathematical models and numerical simulation and optimization techniques are explained, in combination with experimental data, which can help to better understand the basic underlying mechanisms of these motions and to improve them. Example topics treated in this book are Modeling techniques for anthropomorphic bipedal walking systems Optimized walking motions for different objective functions Identification of objective functions from measurements Simulation and optimization approaches for humanoid robots Biologically inspired control algorithms for bipedal walking Generation and deformation of natural walking in computer graphics Imitation of human motions on humanoids Emotional body language during walking Simulation of biologically inspired actuators for bipedal walking machines Modeling and simulation techniques for the development of prostheses Functional electrical stimulation of walking.

Millions of individuals suffer from gait impairments due to stroke or other neurological disorders. A primary goal of patients is to walk independently, but most patients only achieve a poor functional outcome five years after injury. Despite the growing interest in using robotic devices for rehabilitation of sensorimotor function, state-of-the-art robotic interventions in gait therapy have not resulted in improved outcomes when compared to traditional treadmill-based therapy. Because bipedal walking requires neural coupling and dynamic interactions between the legs, a fundamental understanding of the sensorimotor mechanisms of inter-leg coordination during walking is needed to inform robotic interventions in gait therapy. This dissertation presents a systematic exploration of sensorimotor mechanisms of inter-leg coordination by studying the effect of unilateral perturbations of the walking surface stiffness on contralateral muscle activation in healthy populations. An analysis of the contribution of several sensory modalities to the muscle activation of the opposite leg provides new insight into the sensorimotor control mechanisms utilized in human walking, including the role of supra-spinal neural circuits in inter-leg coordination. Based on these insights, a model is created which relates the unilateral deflection of the walking surface to the resulting neuromuscular activation in the opposite leg. Additionally, case studies with hemiplegic walkers indicate the existence of the observed mechanism in neurologically impaired walkers. The results of this dissertation suggest a novel approach to gait therapy for hemiplegic patients in which desired muscle activity is evoked in the impaired leg by only interacting with the healthy leg. One of the most significant advantages of this approach over current rehabilitation protocols is the safety of the patient since there is no direct manipulation of the impaired leg. Therefore, the methods and results presented in this dissertation represent a potential paradigm shift in robot-assisted gait therapy.

Here for the first time in one book is a comprehensive and systematic approach to the dynamic modeling and control of biped locomotion robots. A survey is included of various approaches to the control of biped robots, and a new approach to the control of biped systems based on a complete dynamic model is presented in detail. The stability of complete biped system is presented for the first time as a highly nonlinear dynamic system. Also included is new software for the synthesis of a dynamically stable walk for arbitrary biped systems, presented here for the first time. A survey of various realizations of biped systems and numerous numerical examples are given. The reader is given a deep insight into the entire area of biped locomotion. The book covers all relevant approaches to the subject and gives the most complete account to date of dynamic modeling, control and realizations of biped systems.

By the dawn of the new millennium, robotics has undergone a major tra- formation in scope and dimensions. This expansion has been brought about bythematurityofthe?eldandtheadvancesinitsrelatedtechnologies.From a largely dominant industrial focus, robotics has been rapidly expanding into the challenges of the human world. The new generation of robots is expected to safely and dependably co-habitat with humans in homes, workplaces, and communities,providingsupportinservices,entertainment,education,heal- care, manufacturing, and assistance. Beyond its impact on physical robots, the body of knowledge robotics has produced is revealing a much wider range of applications reaching across - verse researchareas and scienti?c disciplines, such as: biomechanics, haptics, neurosciences, virtual simulation, animation, surgery, and sensor networks among others. In return, the challenges of the new emerging areas are pr- ing an abundant source of stimulation and insights for the ?eld of robotics. It is indeed at the intersection of disciplines that the most striking advances happen. The goal of the series of Springer Tracts in Advanced Robotics (STAR) is to bring, in a timely fashion, the latest advances and developments in robotics on the basis of their signi?cance and quality. It is our hope that the wider dissemination of research developments will stimulate more exchanges and collaborations among the research community and contribute to further advancement of this rapidly growing ?eld.