Human locomotion simulation along a curved path is presented. The process adds a small constant cost (O(1)) to any pre-existing straight line walking algorithm. The input curve is processed by the foot print generator to produce a foot print sequence. The resulting sequence is scanned by the walking motion generator that actually generates the poses of the walking that realizes such foot prints...

Background Footwear with a curved sole profile shifts the point of contact between the shoe and floor anteriorly compared to a flat shoe. There have been various reports of changes in ground reaction forces, external joint moments, and (rather inconclusively) muscle activity and energy consumption during walking in this “rollover” footwear [1-6]. The aim of this study was to investigate the eff...

In two experiments, viewers judged heading from displays simulating locomotion through tree-filled environments, with gaze off to the side. They marked their heading with a mouse-controlled probe at three different depths. When simulated eye or head rotation generally exceeded 0.5 deg/sec, there was reliable curvature in perceived paths toward the fixated object. This curvature, however, was sl...

In many animals, the effects of sensory feedback on motor output change during locomotion. These changes can occur as reflex reversals in which sense organs that activate muscles to counter perturbations in posture control instead reinforce movements in walking. The mechanisms underlying these changes are only partially understood. As such, it is unclear whether reflex reversals are modulated w...

The attachment function of tibial spurs and pretarsal claws in the beetle Pachnoda marginata (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) during locomotion was examined in this study. First, we measured the angle, at which the beetles detached from substrates with different roughness. At a surface roughness of 12 μm and higher, intact animals were able to cling to a completely tilted platform (180°). Second, we ...

Walking without vision results in veering, an inability to maintain a straight path that has important consequences for blind pedestrians. In this study, the authors addressed whether the source of veering in the absence of visual and auditory feedback is better attributed to errors in perceptual encoding or undetected motor error. Three experiments had the following results: No significant dif...

While it is generally believed that the choice of prosthetic components affects amputee gait, systematically quantifying the effects of prosthetic design on amputee walking is difficult [1]. A simulation model capable of predicting human amputee gait could allow for quantitative, systematic investigations. Existing models of amputee gait are either too complex for a predictive study (e.g. [2]) ...

A two-straight-legged walking mechanism with flat feet is designed and built to study the passive dynamic gait. It is shown that the mechanism having flat feet can exhibit passive dynamic walking as those with curved feet, but the walking efficiency is significantly lower. It is also shown that the balancing mass and its orientation are etfective for controlling side-to-side rocking and yaw, wh...