Spinal Rhythms

Further development of the projects' core ideas would demand a more intensive study of possible evolutionary strategies. The long time-requirements for conducting the tests largely inhibited experimental investigations on different strategies. More carefully designed selection and reproduction mechanisms and better tuned setup parameters might improve the obtained results.

Results much truer to the body-control-dynamics would be accomplished if the needed evaluation feedback would originate from the robotic body itself. This could be achieved by employing stretch sensors in parallel with the spring modules or by incorporating rotation sensors into the mechanical joint design.

A revision of the robots' mechanical design would allow the introduction of modularity into the system. The main morphology of the robot could become subject of the evolutionary development as well.

Instead of constructing the robotic bodies out of wood and metal and just granting the muscle elements elasticity, the whole structure could be manufactured out of compliant materials. The possible use of shape decomposition methods would add additional variability in the construction process. In becoming more soft and flexible the robots would underline the merge of biology and technology.

Success in the development of efficient and easy-to-handle EAP products might provide a future alternative for the SMA springs. The polymers promise a greater force-potential and could free the robotic sculptures from their untouchable position in suspension.