Research interests
- Multibody dynamics
- Dynamics of walking and running
- Digitally controlled mechanical systems
- Underactuated and kinematically redundant systems
- Time-delayed dynamical systems
- Parametric excitation in dynamical systems
Dynamics of Human and Artificial Legged Locomotion - Running Towards Model-Based Predictions, NKFIH FK-18 128636 (PI, Ongoing project)
Support
This young researcher research project was supported by the National Research, Development and Innovation Office of the Hungarian Government.
Background of the project
The core of the project consists in the analysis of human running by a combination of experiments and mathematical simulations, in order to develop a model able to describe the dynamics of a runner based on its physical characteristics. We not only model the mechanism of the human body but also the brain's control for balancing and motion pattern generation.
The tuning of the model parameters will enable us to define optimal conditions with respect to performance, energy consumption and injury prevention. We extend the analysis to humanoid robots, useful for the development of more efficient machines.
Although the proposed research is mainly theoretical, it will allow us to establish the bases for the development of a series of applications of interest for the general public. The growing number of amateur and professional runners guarantees the existence of a large audience potentially interested in our results.
We will provide mathematically proven guidelines for athletes regarding suggested training to improve performance and avoid injuries. We notice that the risk of injury, a strongly demotivating factor, is especially high for beginners without the supervision of an experienced coach. Our long term goal is to develop software able to automatically recognize dangerous locomotion forms based on a simple video registration or data from cheap accelerometers of an individual running, thus obtaining a software embeddable even in a smartphone app, with a very high potential impact on the general public. Although a number of electronic devices for runner claim to have similar features, the algorithms they adopted is unknown and their effectiveness is not scientifically proven.
Project aims
The main objective is to develop an integrated mathematical model for two-legged running locomotion. Acknowledging the complexity of the task, we will mainly focus on three factors, critical both for human and robotic locomotion; namely, energy efficiency, impact-induced structural loads and control for balance and pattern generation. Energy efficiency is directly related to performance, a critical aspect both in robots and in human athletes at professional and amateur levels. Loads at joints are the main cause of injuries in humans, especially for unsupervised non-professional athletes. Balance and control, which are strictly related to each other, are crucial elements in robots and humans for avoiding failures and injuries.