walking1.gif

Posted by John Goatstream, this computer simulation made by Thomas Geijtenbeek, Michiel van de Panne and Frank van der Stappen features a couple of muscle-based bipeds walking based on different simulations.



Apparently, even the slightest tweaks on things like movement, gravity, obstacles, body types and so forth can have a big impact on the end result. Here's an explanation on why this is so:
All actuation forces are the result of 3D simulated muscles, and a model of neural delay is included for all feedback paths. As a result, our controllers generate torque patterns that incorporate biomechanical constraints. The synthesized controllers find different gaits based on target speed, can cope with uneven terrain and external perturbations, and can steer to target directions.
So the next time someone laughs at your clumsiness, you'll at least feel better knowing that even the smartest of computers can also screw up from time to time.