Dr. Roger Quinn

Case Western Reserve University

Summary: The Center for Biologically Inspired Robotics Research at Case Western Reserve University is directed by Prof. Roger Quinn. We are dedicated to the advancement of the field of robotics using insights gained through the study of biological mechanisms.

Keywords: robots, locomotion, neuromechanics, controls

Dr. Hillel Chiel

Case Western Reserve University

Summary: Research in Dr. Chiel's laboratory focuses on adaptive behavior by studying feeding in the marine mollusk Aplysia californica. The laboratory uses techniques of electrophysiology, biomechanics, and computer and mathematical modeling to understanding a flexible neuromechanical system. Dr. Chiel co-leads Interdisciplinary Research Group 3 with Dr. Victoria Webster-Wood

Keywords: sea slugs, electrophysiology, biomechanics, modeling, computational neuroscience

Dr. Victoria Webster-Wood

Carnegie Mellon University

Summary: Research in the CMU Biohybrid and Organic Robotics Group (B.O.R.G.) focuses on the study and application of living systems to create sustainable, biocompatible robots. By studying existing tissues (such as skeletal muscle or neural circuits), we seek to identify design guidelines for bio-inspired and biohybrid robots.

Keywords: robots, sea slugs, modeling, actuators, biomechanics

Dr. CJ Heckman

Northwestern University

Summary: The Heckman lab has studied motoneurons and other spinal neurons for over 30 years. Techniques span the range from single cells to neural circuits to intact preparations to human subjects. These studies provide the potential for reverse engineering human motor unit firing patterns to identify the structure of their motor commands.

Keywords: neural circuits, motor commands, neuroscience

Dr. Matt Tresch

Northwestern University

Summary: We examine the neural control of movement, focusing on the role of spinal circuitry. We use an interdisciplinary approach in this research, using a combination of behavioral, biomechanical, and neurophysiological techniques. Our current research examines the neural control of internal joint variables, evaluating the hypothesis that the nervous system actively regulates the stresses and strains within joints in order to minimize injury.

Keywords: biomechanics, neurophysiology, behavior

Dr. Alexander Hunt

Portland State University

Summary: Research in the Agile and Adaptive Robotics Lab at PSU focuses on developing neuromechanical models of mammalian systems. We focus on this development in both simulation models as well as robotic systems actuated by artificial muscles.

Dr. Nicholas Szczecinski

West Virginia University

Summary: The Neuro-Mechanical Intelligence Laboratory (N-MIL) has two symbiotic goals: Apply engineering and biological knowledge to build and control walking robots; and use the resulting robots to better understand how animals control their locomotion. Developing legged robots specifically will enable humans to explore and traverse extreme terrains everywhere, whether on farms and in orchards, underground in mines, underwater on the sea floor, or even on other planets. Working with neuroscientists to better understand how animals walk may help us build more successful walking robots.

Keywords: robots, insects, legged, neuromechanics