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On the notion of motor primitives in humans and robots

Konczak, Jürgen (2005) On the notion of motor primitives in humans and robots. [Conference Paper]

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Abstract

This article reviews two reflexive motor patterns in humans: Primitive reflexes and motor primitives. Both terms coexist in the literature of motor development and motor control, yet they are not synonyms. While primitive reflexes are a part of the temporary motor repertoire in early ontogeny, motor primitives refer to sets of motor patterns that are considered basic units of voluntary motor control thought to be present throughout the life-span. The article provides an overview of the anatomy and neurophysiology of human reflexive motor patterns to elucidate that both concepts are rooted in architecture of the spinal cord. I will advocate that an understanding of the human motor system that encompasses both primitive reflexes and motor primitives as well as the interaction with supraspinal motor centers will lead to an appreciation of the richness of the human motor repertoire, which in turn seems imperative for designing epigenetic robots and highly adaptable human machine interfaces.

Item Type:Conference Paper
Keywords:motor primitives, infantile reflexes, infant motor development, developmental robot
Subjects:Psychology > Developmental Psychology
Computer Science > Robotics
ID Code:4963
Deposited By: Prince, Dr Christopher G.
Deposited On:23 Jul 2006
Last Modified:11 Mar 2011 08:56

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