Neuromechanics of Terrestrial Locomotion

This lecture presents a computational modeling approach to study the neuromechanics of terrestrial locomotion, focusing on the role of neural circuits in the spinal cord, afferent feedback, and biomechanics in generating movement in animals. It covers insights from animal experiments, bio-mechanics, neural system modeling, gait optimization, and the development of musculoskeletal models. The lecture explores the challenges and conclusions drawn from simulating complex animal models, emphasizing the importance of damping for stability and the need for experimental data collection. It also discusses the spatio-temporal sensory maps, sensory afferents, and the integration of feed-forward mechanisms. The lecture concludes with acknowledgments, funding agencies, scientific collaborators, and student projects related to the topic.