Muscle Actuation

Muscle actuation research focuses on understanding and replicating the complex mechanics of biological muscles for robotics and biomechanics. Current efforts concentrate on developing biomimetic actuators, often using compliant mechanisms and incorporating reinforcement learning algorithms to control these complex, often overactuated, systems. This research is significant because it promises more robust, adaptable, and energy-efficient robots, as well as deeper insights into the principles governing animal locomotion and manipulation. Improved models and control strategies are leading to more realistic simulations and successful transfer to real-world robotic systems.