Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 27, 2026
08:16
Movement Retraining using Real-time Feedback of Performance
Published on: January 17, 2013
Special section on biomimetics of movement
Federico Carpi1, Rainer Erb, George Jeronimidis
1University of Pisa, Interdepartmental Research Centre 'E. Piaggio', Italy and Technology & Life Institute, Pisa, Italy.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|December 1, 2011
Summary
This special section explores biomimetics for moving systems, presenting bioinspired designs for flapping mechanisms, micro air vehicles, and robotic fish. It also covers bioinspired control strategies and artificial muscles for advanced robotics.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Bioinspired Engineering
- Robotics and Mechatronics
- Materials Science and Engineering
Background:
- Movement is crucial for survival and technological advancement, yet traditional actuation technologies limit innovation in moving systems.
- Biomimetics offers novel solutions by drawing inspiration from nature's efficient and adaptable movement strategies.
- This special section addresses the need for advanced materials, actuators, structures, and controls for moving systems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present diverse bioinspired approaches for developing novel moving systems.
- To showcase advancements in materials, actuators, structures, and control strategies inspired by natural movement.
- To bridge the gap between academic research and commercialization in bioinspired engineering.
Main Methods:
- Bioinspired design of hingeless flapping mechanisms using fiber-reinforced polymers.
- Computational fluid dynamics modeling and wind tunnel experiments for flapping-wing micro air vehicles.
- Development of bioinspired control strategies for multi-muscle driven joints and robotic fish actuators.
- Analysis of stable walking with asymmetric legs using a bipedal spring-mass model.
- Overview of electroactive polymer actuators as artificial muscles.
Main Results:
- Demonstration of bioinspired hingeless flapping mechanisms with reduced complexity and increased design versatility.
- Validation of flexible wing aerodynamics for micro air vehicles, highlighting the importance of wing flexibility.
- Efficacy of novel control strategies for stiffness variability in multi-muscle joints.
- Insights into the robustness and potential advantages of asymmetric leg dynamics in walking.
- Characterization of underwater robotic fish using shape memory alloy actuators and overview of electroactive polymer applications.
Conclusions:
- Bioinspired approaches offer innovative solutions for developing advanced moving systems across various scales.
- Integration of novel materials, actuators, structures, and control strategies is key to overcoming current engineering challenges.
- Electromechanically active polymer actuators are transitioning from research to commercial applications, paving the way for new bioinspired technologies.
