Development of an artificial spine as locomotion-,damper- and sensor element for an ape like robot

For vertebrates the spine is the central element where all extremities of the body are linked together. It bridges the upper and the lower body part flexible together and enhances the whole locomotion of the organism. Through the spine sensor- and motor-command information are distributed and calculated. The intervertebral discs give flexibility to the vertebral construct, they also absorb shocks to the skeleton system. To implement something similar to a robot, a structure is needed that that has specified bending and torsion rates, damping abilities, delivers sensor information about its state and carries the motor- and sensor cables inside. In two different approaches such structures will be developed and tested. The first one will try to gain its characteristics by intelligent material placement, the second by abstracting the mechanics of a natural spine. Because of not knowing the exact specifications of the robot spine interaction at this time, a quick adjustment of the spine characteristics is essential and will be integrated as well.