Recently added articles from Applied Bionics and Biomechanics:

Towards an artificial phonological loop: An assistive device for working memory and attentional control

Jan 01, 2006; Bogen, D ... Abstract: We describe the initial development of an artificial phonological loop (APL), a new technology to assist individuals with impairment of the working memory system. The phonological loop, along with the visuospatial sketchpad, is one of the two slave short-term memory subsystems that ...

Cultured neural networks: Optimization of patterned network adhesiveness and characterization of their neural activity

Jan 01, 2006; Rutten, W L C; Ruardij, T G; Marani, E; Roelofsen, B H ... Abstract: One type of future, improved neural interface is the "cultured probe". It is a hybrid type of neural information transducer or prosthesis, for stimulation and/or recording of neural activity. It would consist of a microelectrode array (MEA) on a planar substrate, each electrode being ...

Robotic measurement and control for chiropractic research

Jan 01, 2006; Goldsmith, P; Wynd, S; Kawchuk, G ... Abstract: The precision and programmability of robotic manipulators makes them suitable for biomechanics research, particularly when an experimental procedure must be accurately repeated multiple times. This paper describes a robotic system used to investigate biomechanical mechanisms of stroke ...

Limits of nature and advances of technology: What does biomimetics have to offer to aquatic robots?

Jan 01, 2006; Fish, F E ... Abstract: In recent years, the biomimetic approach has been utilized as a mechanism for technological advancement in the field of robotics. However, there has not been a full appreciation of the success and limitations of biomimetics. Similarities between natural and engineered systems are ...

Alternative paths to hearing (a conjecture). Photonic and tactile hearing systems displaying the frequency spectrum of sound

Jan 01, 2006; Hara, E H ... Abstract: In this article, the hearing process is considered from a system engineering perspective. For those with total hearing loss, a cochlear implant is the only direct remedy. It first acts as a spectrum analyser and then electronically stimulates the neurons in the cochlea with a number of ...

Self-inhibiting modules can self-organize as a brain of a robot: A conjecture

Jan 01, 2006; Negrete-Martínez, J ... Abstract: In this article we describe a new robot control architecture on the basis of self-organization of self-inhibiting modules. The architecture can generate a complex behaviour repertoire. The repertoire can be performance-enhanced or increased by modular poly-functionality and/or by ...

Design, sensing and control of a robotic prosthetic eye for natural eye movement

Jan 01, 2006; Gu, J J; Meng, M; Cook, A; Liu, P X ... Abstract: Loss of an eye is a tragedy for a person, who may suffer psychologically and physically. This paper is concerned with the design, sensing and control of a robotic prosthetic eye that moves horizontally in synchronization with the movement of the natural eye. Two generations of robotic ...

A game theoretic approach to swarm robotics

Jan 01, 2006; Givigi, S N Jr; Schwartz, H M ... Abstract: In this article, we discuss some techniques for achieving swarm intelligent robots through the use of traits of personality. Traits of personality are characteristics of each robot that, altogether, define the robot's behaviours. We discuss the use of evolutionary psychology to select ...

Permanent magnetic system design for the wall-climbing robot

Jan 01, 2006; Shen, W; Gu, J; Shen, Y ... Abstract: This paper presents the design and analysis of the permanent magnetic system for a wall-climbing robot with permanent magnetic tracks. Based on the behaviour of gecko lizards, the architecture of the robot was designed and built, including the structure of the adhesion mechanism, the ...

Development of a micro swimming robot using optimised giant magnetostrictive thin films

Jan 01, 2006; Zhang, Y; Liu, G; Li, H ... Abstract: A fish-like swimming micro robot is developed using an optimised fin actuator made of giant magnetostrictive films (GMFs). The force oscillation dynamic model of a GMF cantilever with variable cross-section area is derived, and the propulsive model of the fish robot in liquid is ...

A vision-based method for autonomous landing of a rotor-craft unmanned aerial vehicle

Jan 01, 2006; Yuan, Z; Gong, Z; Chen, J; Wu, J ... Abstract: This article introduces a real-time vision-based method for guided autonomous landing of a rotor-craft unmanned aerial vehicle. In the process of designing the pattern of landing target, we have fully considered how to make this easier for simplified identification and calibration. A ...

A multi-agent control architecture for a robotic wheelchair

Jan 01, 2006; Galindo, C; Cruz-Martin, A; Blanco, J L; Fernández-Madrigal, J A; Gonzalez, J ... Abstract: Assistant robots like robotic wheelchairs can perform an effective and valuable work in our daily lives. However, they eventually may need external help from humans in the robot environment (particularly, the driver in the case of a wheelchair) to accomplish safely and efficiently some ...

Pneumatic artificial muscles based on biomechanical characteristics of human muscles

Jan 01, 2006; Saga, N; Nagase, J; Saikawa, T ... Abstract: This article reports the pneumatic artificial muscles based on biomechanical characteristics of human muscles. A wearable device and a rehabilitation robot that assist a human muscle should have characteristics similar to those of human muscle. In addition, since the wearable device ...

Optimal design of a bio-inspired anthropocentric shoulder rehabilitator

Jan 01, 2006; Mustafa, S K; Yang, G; Yeo, S H; Lin, W ... Abstract: This paper presents the design of a bio-inspired anthropocentric 7-DOF wearable robotic arm for the purpose of stroke rehabilitation. The proposed arm rehabilitator synergistically utilizes the human arm structure with non-invasive kinematically under-deterministic cable-driven ...

Pivoting a large object: whole-body manipulation by a humanoid robot

Jan 01, 2006; Yoshida, E; Blazevic, P; Hugel, V; Yokoi, K; Harada, K ... Abstract: In this article, we present a method of whole-body manipulation of large objects by a humanoid robot using a pivoting motion. Pivoting manipulation can be an alternative to pushing or lifting for more dexterous and stable operation, which is often used by humans to move large and bulky ...

Design and implementation of NTU wearable exoskeleton as an enhancement and assistive device

Jan 01, 2006; Low, K H; Liu, X; Yu, H ... Abstract: This article presents a wearable lower extremity exoskeleton (LEE) developed to enhance the ability of a human's walking while carrying heavy loads. The ultimate goal of the current research work is to design and control a power assist system that integrates a human's intellect for ...

Using a gyro as a tool for continuously variable lateral stabilisation of dynamic bipeds

Jan 01, 2006; Mayer, N M; Masui, K; Browne, M; Asada, M; Ogino, M ... Abstract: We present simulations of different types of biped walking machines that are stabilized in the lateral direction by adding a gyro. The simulations show that, in principle, it is indeed possible to stabilise biped walking machines. Examples presented in this work include a ...

Development of underwater microrobot with biomimetic locomotion

Jan 01, 2006; Zhang, W; Guo, S; Asaka, K ... Abstract: Microrobots have powerful applications in biomedical and naval fields. They should have a compact structure, be easy to manufacture, have efficient locomotion, be driven by low voltage and have a simple control system. To meet these purposes, inspired by the leg of stick insects, we ...

The development of a hybrid underwater micro biped robot

Jan 01, 2006; Guo, S; Okuda, Y; Zhang, W; Ye, X; Asaka, K ... Abstract: There has been a great demand, in the medical field and in industrial applications, for a novel micro biped robot with multiple degrees of freedom that can swim smoothly in water or in aqueous medium. The fish-like micro-robot studied is a type of miniature device that is installed ...

Orthotic design through 3D reconstruction: A passive-assistance ankle-foot orthotic

Jan 01, 2006; Darling, A L; Sun, W ... Abstract: Current methods of designing and manufacturing custom orthotics include manual techniques such as casting a limb in plaster, making a plaster duplicate of the limb to be treated and forming a polymer orthotic directly onto the plaster model. Such techniques are usually accompanied with ...