Abstract
This paper introduces a relegated control strategy for point-to-point
movement of musculoskeletal systems driven by redundant actuators.
The actuator system is partitioned to two functional groupings
referred to as gravity compensators and movement generators. Unlike
dynamic optimization methods, relegation of control enables real-time
computation of control signals to the muscle actuators. It is shown
that this strategy significantly reduces the degree of co-activation
needed to stabilize the movement. The real-time nature of this strategy coupled with reduced co-activation makes the proposed strategy amenable for multichannel control of parapalegics through FES. Simulations of a three-link sagittal system are conducted to test the algorithm for a bowing movement.