Nonanalytical Methods for Motor Control

This book describes non-conventional methods of control ofhuman extremities, emphasizing the fact that conventional approachesused in robotics are limited when used in humans for restoration ofreaching and grasping (goal-oriented movements), and standing andlocomotion (cyclic movements). The use of artificial neural networks,inductive learning, skill-based expert systems and finite-staterepresentation of movements is the base of this non-conventionalcontrol theory. A specific number of realized applications areincluded in the book to illustrate how these computer techniques canimprove the function of assistive systems in physically challengedhumans. The theory presented is applicable to the control of robotsand industrial manipulators.