Towards biomimetic control of robotic or paralyzed limbs

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Our long-term objectives are to learn from biological movement and devise efficient and novel control strategies for artificial systems (robots, prostheses) and for assisted human control (FES, neural interfaces). To date, we have focused on two streams in parallel sub-objectives:* 1- New analytical tools applicable to biological movement systems in the difficult context of non-linear parametric fields, switched hybrid strategies and imposed topologies. Funded by NSERC in the past, we produced software innovations now supported by NSERC/ I2I: to create automated classification of response modes in switched systems and identification tools to estimate the dynamics of each mode despite switching characteristics. They are targeted for distribution to Neuroscientists, Neuro-otologists and Clinicians in the field.* 2- Novel models of biological control strategies for eye-head and ocular reflexes (funded by CIHR) based on the special nature (topology) of neural circuits in the brainstem and spinal cord. These models change the interpretation of data at both behavioural and neural levels, and suggest new protocols to test the integrity of motor systems in more natural mixed-sensory environments, as in daily life. This is only possible now because our algorithms can handle diverse conditions. More recently, explorations on arm reaching (funded by NSERC) predict that our control strategies used in eye-head coordination are consistent with primate arm or leg trajectories and the topology of the spinal cord. The result is much simpler control than typically used in the robotic literature - i.e. movement without planning. * All of these systems use network topologies similar in their spatial organization and in the use of sensorimotor fusion. This suggests a possible general control theory for all platforms, be they stacked and rotatory, or segmental limbs. So the long-term goal is: * TO FORMALIZE A BIOMIMETIC CONTROL STRATEGY FOR MOVING SYSTEMS THAT WILL ALLOW EXECUTION OF SIMPLE TASKS WITHOUT A-PRIORI TRAJECTORY PLANNIN