famu-fsu-researcher-uses-ai-powered-robotic-unicycle-to-study-how-people-learn-complex-motor-skills

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FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins poses with her unicycle. Higgins received a National Science Foundation Mind, Machine, and Motor Nexus (M3X) grant to further understanding of human motor learning and its applications in movement-assistive robotic technologies. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)

Scientists are crafting advanced robotic systems that modify themselves to fit unique learning styles, potentially revolutionizing rehabilitation results for individuals with mobility challenges. 

FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins poses with her unicycle. Higgins received a National Science Foundation Mind, Machine, and Motor Nexus (M3X) grant to further understanding of human motor learning and its applications in movement-assistive robotic technologies. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)
FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins poses with her unicycle. Higgins received a National Science Foundation Mind, Machine, and Motor Nexus (M3X) grant to further understanding of human motor learning and its applications in movement-assistive robotic technologies. (Scott Holstein/FAMU-FSU College of Engineering)

The journey to rehabilitation for stroke patients taking their initial cautious steps, or those coping with daily hurdles from balance issues, frequently feels daunting. As individuals walk, their minds and bodies must collaborate to coordinate a intricate process involving numerous muscles and joints to remain balanced and progress. 

A fresh research endeavor led by FAMU-FSU College of Engineering Assistant Professor Taylor Higgins aims to explore the acquisition of motor skills by examining how individuals learn to manage a device where balance and movement are constant and vital — the unicycle. 

The study has three primary objectives: to analyze how humans master balancing and propelling themselves on the unicycle; to contrast human learning against machine learning; and to integrate these insights into robotically supportive devices that enhance the tempo at which humans learn new physical abilities. 

The researchers intend to utilize the unicycle robot and its associated algorithms to examine how robotics-based platforms can assist humans in acquiring skills, specifically mastering the mechanically intricate task of maintaining balance and advancing forward. This initiative will inform forthcoming studies and tools for physical rehabilitation that might benefit patients relearning to walk. 

“A significant portion of assistive robotics research concentrates on aiding individuals with movements they are already familiar with,” Higgins expressed. “Our research will emphasize how individuals develop new motor skills. If robots can expedite the learning of tasks for healthy individuals, they can subsequently be tailored to assist those in rehabilitation to recover lost abilities more swiftly. Quicker learning translates to expedited rehabilitation.” 

The $799,000 initiative is backed by the National Science Foundation’s Mind, Machine and Motor Nexus program, or M3X. 

The M3X program funding this research supports essential studies that facilitate the interaction between intelligent engineered systems and humans. This research necessitates advanced technologies to gather data from the human participant and to respond to this data by adjusting its behavior in real time. The aim is to enhance safety, productivity, and well-being for individuals utilizing robotic assistance in intricate and evolving situations.

The post FAMU-FSU researcher utilizes AI-driven robotic unicycle to examine how individuals learn intricate motor skills appeared first on Florida State University News.

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