Tohoku University Achieves Breakthrough in Replicating Human-Like Walking in Robotics

Innovative Algorithm Optimizes Energy Efficiency Across Diverse Walking Speeds, Paving Way for Advanced Prosthetics and Bipedal Robots

Tohoku University researchers have successfully replicated human-like variable speed walking using a musculoskeletal model steered by a reflex control method reflective of the human nervous system.
The team developed an innovative algorithm that optimizes energy efficiency across diverse walking speeds, a key aspect of human walking.
The study identified two key neural circuits that significantly impact energy efficiency in walking.
The findings could revolutionize the design and development of high-performance bipedal robots, advanced prosthetic limbs, and state-of-the-art powered exoskeletons.
The team plans to further refine the reflex control framework to recreate a broader range of human walking speeds and movements, and apply the insights to create more adaptive and energy-efficient prosthetics and bipedal robots.