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Electromechanical Analogs of Human Reflexes a
Author(s) -
LITTMAN M. G.,
LIKER M.,
STUBBEMAN W.,
RUSSAKOW J.,
McGEE C.,
GELFAND J.,
CALL B. J.
Publication year - 1989
Publication title -
annals of the new york academy of sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.712
H-Index - 248
eISSN - 1749-6632
pISSN - 0077-8923
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-6632.1989.tb42198.x
Subject(s) - reflex , set (abstract data type) , facilitation , process (computing) , neuroscience , stretch reflex , computer science , point (geometry) , work (physics) , control theory (sociology) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , anatomy , psychology , medicine , artificial intelligence , mathematics , engineering , control (management) , mechanical engineering , geometry , programming language , operating system
The conclusion to be drawn from our modeling is that the combined stretch and tendon reflexes alone can endow artificial muscle with a springlike feel as well as give it a baseline tone. In response to questions that motor physiologists often ask as to what variables the system controls, the answer here is clear: the stretch and tendon reflexes act together to maintain both a tension set-point and a length set-point, but in so doing they also give the system a springlike feel because of the existence of a servo error. The main goal of our studies is to understand the integration of reflexes, and thus far we have only begun to explore the two lowest-level spinal reflexes. We are in the process of expanding this work by developing a much more refined arm explicitly modeled after the human arm. This new arm is to be activated by a minimum of 10 muscles, each of which is reflexively driven, and it will allow us to explore the integration of higher-level reflex action such as automatic inhibition of antagonists and facilitation of synergists.