Researchers at Duke University have highlighted the importance of rhythm in the movement of robots and animals. While previous studies have focused on factors such as limb length and body shape, the timing and coordination of movement have been largely overlooked. The researchers argue that incorporating different rhythms into the movements of robots can optimize their performance and efficiency.
The team used natural swimmers, such as humans and frogs, as examples to demonstrate the significance of rhythm. These swimmers have distinct time intervals of reaching forward, pushing backward, and coasting. The researchers found that the lengths of these intervals can drastically change in certain situations, such as outmaneuvering predators.
The study builds on previous research by one of the researchers, who showed that size and speed are correlated across the animal kingdom. In this new study, the researchers argue that rhythm is an additional element that can optimize the mechanics of movement for animals, robots, and other moving objects.
The findings have implications for the design of robots that mimic animals. By incorporating optimal rhythms into their movements, the overall efficiency of the robots can be improved. This research demonstrates the power of rhythm as a design element in evolution and robotics.
Sources:
– Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41023-6
– The universal scaling of steady locomotion in all media on earth. Credit: Scientific Reports (2023). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41023-6
– Duke University