Using Computer Models and Simulations to Study Animal Movement

The musculoskeletal system of all animals, including humans, is responsible for generating the forces required for efficient movement over a wide range of activities, task objectives and constraints. As a result animal musculoskeletal systems are very complex, creating a highly non-linear system with a large amount of redundancy. In addition, the hierarchal nature of the musculoskeletal system – ranging in scale from individual protein interactions within single muscle fibers to whole-body interactions with the external environment – appears to be self-organized and adapted specifically to satisfying the demands associated with movement.

However, understanding how movement is generated through interaction between these scales is still not clearly understood. Using examples from my own research, I will discuss how state-of-the-art detailed computer models and simulations can be used to enhance traditional techniques to address questions that address multiple levels of this hierarchy at the same time. I will also touch on how studying animal movement is a great source for idea generation, innovation and bio-inspiration, and how these may be used to improve human quality of life.