In this paper we describe how a population of simulated robots evolved for the ability to solve a collective navigation problem develop individual and social/communication skills. In particular, we analyze the evolutionary origins of motor and signaling behaviors. Obtained results indicate that signals and the meaning of the signals produced by evolved robots are grounded not only on the robots...

To be effective in many HCI uses, a computational cognitive model must behave like a human, not simply get the job done with the least effort or in the least time. Building computational models that emulate human behavior on complex tasks is an ambitious undertaking, as they must include perception and motor behavior as well as problem-solving, learning and large amounts of knowledge. This proj...

We have investigated how physical capabilities of users with a wide range of abilities are reflected in their interactions with digital devices. In particular, we have investigated how hand strength affects pointing performance of people with and without motor-impairment for different input devices. Our study indicates that people having higher hand strength also have greater control in hand mo...

An “ideal” upper limb prosthesis should be perceived as part of the natural body by the amputee and should replicate sensory-motor capabilities of the amputated limb. However, such an ideal “cybernetic” prosthesis is still far from reality: current prosthetic hands are simple grippers with one or two degrees of freedom, which barely restore the capability of the thumb-index pinch. This paper de...

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are an emerging technology that are capable of turning brain electrical activity into commands for an external device. Motor imagery (MI)-when a person imagines a motion without executing it-is widely employed in BCI devices for motor control because of the endogenous origin of its neural control mechanisms, and the similarity in brain activation to actual movem...

There is a fundamental difference between robots that are equipped with sensory, motor and cognitive capabilities, vs. simulations or non-embodied cognitive systems. Via their perceptual and motor capabilities, these robotic systems can interact with humans in an increasingly more ‘‘natural’’ way, physically interacting with shared objects in cooperative action settings. Indeed, such cognitive ...

Line-start synchronous motors have attracted researchers’ interest as suitable replacements of asynchronous due to their high efficiency, which has been provoked by strict regulations regarding applicable efficiency classes in the EU market. The research becomes even more challenging it takes into consideration diverse rotor topologies with different magnet locations for this type motor. config...

From a computational perspective, the act of using a tool and making a movement involves solving three kinds of problems: we need to learn the costs that are associated with our actions as well as the rewards that we may experience at various sensory states. We need to learn how our motor commands produce changes in things that we can sense. Finally, we must learn how to actually produce the mo...

Neuromuscular function is the interaction between the nervous system and the physical world. Limbs and fingers are, therefore, the ultimate mechanical filters between the motor commands that the nervous system issues and the physical actions that result. In this chapter we present a mathematical approach to understanding how their anatomy (i.e., physical structure) defines their mechanical capa...