Meso : a virtual musculature for humanoid motor control

Abstract

Humanoid behavior requires a system with access to humanoid variables. Our humanoid robot, Cog, has two arms that are structurally similar to those of humans; however, the sensory system only provides a sense of strain and position. This thesis describes a model of the human energy metabolism that is linked to the robot’s behavior. As the robot uses its arms, the model incorporates the behavior to create a sense of tiredness, fatigue, soreness, or excitement in the robot, both locally at the joints and globally as a part of the overall system. The model also can limit the robot’s exertion when appropriate according to the biological system.