Hostname: page-component-78c5997874-fbnjt Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-11-11T18:58:41.908Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false
  • English
  • Français

The anatomy of a humanoid robot

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 March 2009

D. W. Seward ,
A. Bradshaw  and
F. Margrave
D. W. Seward
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LAI 4YR (UK)
A. Bradshaw
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LAI 4YR (UK)
F. Margrave
Affiliation:
Department of Engineering, Lancaster University, Lancaster LAI 4YR (UK)
Get access Rights & Permissions [Opens in a new window]

Summary

This paper investigates the feasibility of constructing a humanoid robot using existing technology. Firstly, the adoption of the humanoid form is justified. The structure, strength and power capabilities of a human are analysed in engineering terms, and taken to represent the requirements specification for a humanoid robot. Technological alternatives to the biological components are reviewed and compared to this specification. The feasibility of matching human performance is considered, and it is concluded that the necessary power and energy requirements can be fitted within the mass and volume of the human body.

Keywords

Humanoid robotTechnologyHuman performance.
Type
Article
Information
Robotica , Volume 14 , Issue 4 , July 1996 , pp. 437 - 443
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1996

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)

References

1.National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Washington, USA, “Bioastronautics Data Book” In:The Mechanics of Athletics, 8th ed. (Dyson, G., rev. Woods, B.D. and Travers, P.R., eds.) (Hodder and Stoughton, Sevenoaks, UK, 1986) pp. 50–53.Google Scholar
2.Alexander, R.McNeill, Animal mechanics, (Sidgwick and Jackson, London, 1968).Google Scholar
3.Design Manual-Engineered Composite Profiles, (Fibreforce Composites Ltd., Fairoak Lane, Whitehouse, Runcorn, Cheshire, England 1988).Google Scholar
4.Edgerton, V.R., Roy, R.R., Gregor, R.J. and Rugg, S., “Morphological Basis of Skeletal Muscle Power Output” In:Human Muscle Power (ed. Jones, N.L. et al. ) (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, publ. Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., Champaign, Illinois, USA, 1986) pp. 43–64.Google Scholar
5.Enoka, R.M., Neuromechanical Basis of Kinesiology,(Human Kinetics Books, Champaign, Illinois, USA. 1988).Google Scholar
6.Wilkier, D.R., Muscle (Edward Arnold, London, 1976).Google Scholar
7.Hubley, C.L. and Wells, R.P., “A work-energy approach to determine individual joint contributions to vertical jump performance” European J. Appl. Phys., 50, 247–254 (1983).Google Scholar
8.Alexander, R. McNeill, “Elastic Energy Stores in running Vertebrates” Amer. Soc. of Zoologists 24, 85–94 (1984).Google Scholar
9.Hi-Torque range, Permanent Magnet DC Servo Motors (Evershed and Vignoles Limited, Powerator Division, Acton Lane, London, 1994).Google Scholar
10.N-Nagy, F. and Joyce, G., “Solid-state control elements operating on piezo-electric principles” In:Physical Acoustics: Principles and Methods (ed. Mason, W.P. et al. ) (Academic Press, New York, 1972) Vol IX, pp. 129–166.Google Scholar
11. Anon. “Polymer based motors” Drives and Controls (06, 1991). p. 20.Google Scholar
12.Caldwell, D.G., Razak, A. and Goodwin, M., “Braided Pneumatic Muscle Actuators” 1st IF AC International Workshop, Intelligent Autonomous Vehicles, University of Southampton, UK(04, 1993) pp. 522–527.Google Scholar
13.Newsholme, E.A., “Application of Metabolic Control to the Problem of Metabolic Limitations in Sprinting, Middle Distance, and Marathon Running” In:Human Muscle Power (ed. Jones, N.L. et al. ) (McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, publ. Human Kinetics Publishers, Inc., Champaign, Illinois, USA, 1986) pp. 169–182.Google Scholar
14.Crist, K., Baldwin, R.L. and Stern, J.S., “Energetics and the Demands for Maintenance” In:Hitman Nutrition (ed Alfin-Slater, R.B. and Kritchevsky, D.) (Plenum Press, New York, 1980) pp. 159–182.Google Scholar
15.Buskirk, E.R. and Mendez, J., “Energy: Caloric Requirements” In:Human Nutrition (ed Alfin-Slater, R.B. and Kritchevsky, D.) (Plenum Press, New York, 1980) pp. 49–50.Google Scholar
16.Bradshaw, A. and Osborne, M., “The UK SAFFAR Project: Concept, Function and Control” Int. Symp. on Advanced Robotic Technology,Tokyo(March, 1991) pp. 427–434.Google Scholar
17.Slater, J., “The History of Batteries” Electronics Today International 49–54 (June, 1993).Google Scholar