'Biologically accurate' robot legs walk like an Egyptian US boffins have come up with a pair of robotic legs that they reckon are the first to walk in a biologically accurate (if somewhat jerky) manner. The researchers want to try to mimic the actual process of walking, particularly the bit where people don't actually have to think to do it, so they can figure out how babies learn …
"Surely balancing is an inherent part of walking?"
I've always seen walking as being not-quite-in-balance. It's pretty much falling forward, putting out a foot to check the fall, rinse and repeat. Sure, there needs to be a long-term dynamic balance, but proper balancing is really standing, not walking
What? Do we need more scientists whose Holy Grail is the Bleeding Obvious?
Have they never seen father and son walk down the street side-by-side and be indistinguishable apart from the grey hair and midriff on one of them?
No?
OK - let me make this short and simple - We copy Mum and Dad.
The hips move up and down too much - the repeated shock on the spine and brain would eventually disable you. Even when running, the body keeps the head the same height off the ground, so that the brain doesn't bounce around in the skull.
In walking, the forward (not under your hips) leg puts the heel down first - which does two things: provide shock/energy absorption via the Achilles tendon, and lengthen the leg so that it can reach the ground. The rear leg does something similiar; lengthening the leg by angling down the ball of the foot, and kicking off via the calf muscle.
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