The science and technology of biomechanics and robotics promise to be some of the most influential research directions of the twenty-first century. Biomechanics and Robotics goes beyond the individual areas of biomechanics, robotics, biomedical engineering, biomechatronics, and biologically inspired robotics to provide the first unified textbook on the subject. It offers a "big picture" look at the state-of-the-art science and technology. With numerous figures, references, and exercises, the book presents a pedagogical introduction to a variety of topics, reviews historical developments, and gives up-to-date insights on modern-day biomechanics and robotics.
definitions and history of Biomechanics and Robotics,
science and technology of actuation, sensing, control, integral architecture of both living and "artificial" organisms,
product development, industrial robotics,
general science and technology of locomotion and manipulation,
biologically inspired robotics,
robotic prosthetics, orthotics, assistive and augmentative devices
medical robotics, etc.
Biography
Marko B. Popović is a physicist, biophysicist, roboticist, inventor, and entrepreneur. He is faculty with the Worcester Polytechnic Institute Physics Department, Biomedical Engineering Department, and Robotics Engineering Program. He is one of the founders of the MIT Biomechatronics Group and founder of WPI Popovic Labs. Results of his work are showcased by CNN, TIME Magazine, National Geographic, and many other domestic and overseas media.
"This book does an exceptional job as an introductory textbook that meshes biomechanics and robotics together and shows how both fields can draw inspiration and better understanding from each other. Brilliant!"
Prof. Hermano Igo Krebs, University of Maryland, College Park, USA and MIT, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
"To get inspiration from Mother Nature is one of the fundamental and very fascinating methods to design creative and practical robotic systems. This book is of very high quality and gives us the big picture of this interesting and diversified field."
Dr. Eng. Prof. Emeritus Shigeo Hirose, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Japan
"This is one of the few books to look at biomechanics and robotics in an integrated way— understanding ourselves as machines, and supporting the coming revolution in bio-inspired robot design."
Prof. Chris Atkeson, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
"Prof. Popovic’s book succeeds admirably in tying diverse disciplines such as biology, engineering, physics, and business together, for the first time, in a breezy, easily digestible style, with a strong historical emphasis that enhances the content. It should become part of every good biomechanical engineer’s library, fulfilling a unique niche in the market and a milestone that future generations will look back upon favourably."
Prof. John Hutchinson, The Royal Veterinary College, UK
"Biomechanics and Robotics provides a comprehensive treatment of intelligence in action, from nature to machine. This book should appeal to, delight, and inspire biologists and roboticists alike."
Prof. Michael A. Gennert, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Massachusetts, USA
