Underwater walking

Lobsters are generalist decapods that evolved in a broad variety of niches in the Northwestern Atlantic. Due to their inherent buoyancy they have acquired adaptations to reduced traction and surge. We have developed a biomimetic robot based on the lobster that features artificial muscle actuators and sensors employing labeled-line codes. The central controller for this robot is based on the command neuron, coordinating neuron central pattern generator model. A library of commands is released by sensor feedback to mediate adaptive sequences and goal achieving behavior. Rheotaxic behaviors can mediate adaptations to achieve some of the advantages of the biological models. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.