Researchers studied the walking of ants and multi-legged robots. In the process, they discovered a new mathematical
The team studied several Argentine coloniesants at UC San Diego and two different types of multi-legged robots at the University of Michigan. For the study, scientists used a special algorithm that turns complex body movements into shapes. It establishes a relationship between what position the object is in and where it will move next.
The researchers found that the samealgorithms can be applied to both ants and two different types of robots. The mathematical models that the researchers used are not new. Previously, they were used to describe sliding and floating in viscous fluids. It turned out that the walking of many-legged creatures, in which there are few sliding movements, is also well described by these formulas.
For example, the number of sliding motionsArgentine ants make up only about 4.7% of the total number of movements. For robots, it may be somewhat larger depending on the design. Regardless of this, the model predicts movements well in all cases. Also, the same rules apply from millimeter-sized insects like ants to meter-sized robots.
The researchers believe that this discoveryprovides a generic positioning model that is applied whenever motion is dominated by environmental friction. The authors of the study believe that the new approach will find application in the design of robots and motion planning. In addition, it provides insight into the evolution and control of leg movement in living beings.
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