Embodiment of Robotic tail – Can we walk like a T-Rex?

Project Overview:

Individuals skilled in using tools for sports, arts, and culinary activities might experience notable alterations in their bodily self-perception. This is called “embodiment” of the tool. In the context of highly skilled individuals, embodiment means that humans have integrated their tools so seamlessly into their body’s schema (the internal representation of one’s body) that there is little distinction between their own physical self and the tools they use. In this project, we will extend our body with the artificial robotic tail to study if we can walk like a dinosaur.

In the paradigm of motor learning, for a given unknown environment or unknown/lost body dynamics, motor commands are generated in the motor cortex, and driving the body schema, brain predicts the resulting body motion. The errors between the prediction and feedback will be used to adjust the body motion so that the feedback errors decrease over time. We hypothesise that when using the tool, this principal of the feedback error learning can work for the embodiment process of the tool, i.e., the kinematics/dynamics of the tool will be embedded into the body schema for the better prediction of the feedback signals.

In this project, we aim to understand the process of embodiment, i.e., how the body dynamics can embody a new artificial body part which can enhance the body dynamics. To this end, we will develop an artificial tail which can be attached to the body, and hack the brain-body loops by using the Electromyography (EMG) related to the arm motion to drive the robotic tail. More importantly, we will monitor the embodiment process by measuring the brain signals from motor cortex. Evolutionally speaking, putting back the tail to humans, we will find out how brain regain its function to control the tail in order to maintain balance in posture and gait.

Living systems are complex and are based on the basic building blocks of genes, proteins, chemical reactions, and physical forces. Yet, out of this complexity, closed loops between brain and body allow humans to adapt to new environment and new artificial body. In my research group, we aim to understand such complex biological, yet cognitive systems under the concept of self-organisation which refers to neuronal reorganisation based on the brain-body loops.

Lab home page: https://www.sites.google.com/site/complexlivingmachineslab/

School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading:

The University of Reading, located west of London, England, provides world-class research education programs. The University’s main Whiteknights Campus is set in 130 hectares of beautiful parkland, a 30-minute train ride to central London. 

Our School of Biological Sciences conducts high-impact research, tackling current global challenges faced by society and the planet. Our research ranges from understanding and improving human health and combating disease. You will be joining a vibrant community of ~180 PhD students representing ~40 nationalities. Our students publish in high-impact journals, present at international conferences.

During your PhD at the University of Reading, you will expand your research knowledge and skills, receiving supervision in one-to-one and small group sessions. You will have access to cutting-edge technology and learn the latest research techniques. We provide training in transferable skills to support your career aspirations. If English is not your first language, the University’s excellent International Study and Language Institute will help you develop your academic English skills.

UoR is a welcoming community for people of all faiths and cultures. We are committed to a healthy work-life balance and will work to ensure that you are supported personally and academically.

Eligibility:

Applicants should have a good degree (minimum of a UK Upper Second (2:1) undergraduate degree or equivalent) in engineering, neuro-engineering, physics, or a strongly-related discipline. Applicants will also need to meet the University’s English Language requirements. We offer pre-sessional courses that can help with meeting these requirements.

How to apply:

Submit an application for a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at http://www.reading.ac.uk/pgapply.

 

Further information:

http://www.reading.ac.uk/biologicalsciences/SchoolofBiologicalSciences/PhD/sbs-phd.aspx

Enquiries:

Dr. Yoshikatsu Hayashi, email: y.hayashi@reading.ac.uk