Adaptive Locomotion Mechanisms Inherent in the Musculoskeletal Structure

Abstract

Animals are capable of generating locomotion adaptive to various environments by coordinated regulation of a complex musculoskeletal system. Such intelligent locomotor mechanisms seem to emerge partly from intrinsic mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system. This paper outlines some of the biomechanical elements exploited for the generation of adaptive locomotion in animals, and present an anatomically based biomechanical model of a Japanese monkey being constructed to elucidate the dynamic principles embedded in inherent musculoskeletal structures underlying the emergence of adaptive locomotion