AsianScientist (Jul. 26, 2016) – Through computer simulations and robotics, researchers in Japan have found that centipedes use instability—a factor that might be considered a disadvantage—to move with dexterity, even over obstacles. Their work was published in Scientific Reports.
According to lead scientist Dr. Shinya Aoi at Kyoto University, when centipedes walk, many of their legs are in contact with the ground to support the body against gravity and produce propulsive and decelerating forces. This physical contact, however, impedes their locomotion maneuverability. To overcome these constraints, the creatures harness instability, producing a characteristic undulating movement.
“Our group developed a mathematical model of centipedes and found that the straight walk becomes unstable and body undulations appear through a supercritical Hopf bifurcation by changing the locomotion speed and body axis flexibility,” said Aoi, referring to a mathematical description of the walking system’s tipping point from stable to unstable.
First with computer models and then with segmented, multi-legged robots, the team was able to replicate the centipede’s movement, including its wave-like body motion.
“This study provides clues to unresolved issues of intelligent motor functions of animals, and provides meaningful insight for biological sciences,” Aoi said, pointing out that much remains unknown about the exact mechanics of animal locomotion.
And further down the line, such knowledge could lead to better motion for robots—no matter how many legs they may have.
The article can be found at: Aoi et al. (2016) Advantage of Straight Walk Instability in Turning Maneuver of Multilegged Locomotion: a Robotics Approach.
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Source: Kyoto University.
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