Characterization of whip targeting kinematics in discrete and rhythmic tasks

Robotic control of complex objects is inferior to that of humans despite superior communication, sensors and actuators. Therefore, studying human control of complex dynamic objects, in particular a bullwhip, should reveal how humans may achieve superior dexterity. An expert whip-cracker performing two distinct targeting tasks, discrete and rhythmic, was observed using the Qualisys 3D motion capture software. The objective was to investigate the kinematics of the whip, the kinematics of the subject's arm while controlling the whip and the differences between discrete and rhythmic tasks. The subject was able to expertly perform both targeting tasks with excellent targeting accuracy. The study confirmed the existence of a wave propagating down the whip as stated in prior work. Furthermore, a distinct difference between discrete and rhythmic tasks was observed in the reproducibility of position profiles, reproducibility of phase profiles, and the waveforms of elbow and wrist angles. Finally, the whip trajectory was substantially confined to a plane. In contrast with claims made in prior work, this plane was found to be distinct from the parasagittal plane and slanted with respect to it.

Department dc:contributor.department

Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Grantor dc:publisher

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• Henrot, Camille (Camille Ida)

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Neville Hogan.

• Mechanical Engineering.

Statement dc:rights

• M.I.T. theses are protected by copyright. They may be viewed from this source for any purpose, but reproduction or distribution in any format is prohibited without written permission. See provided URL for inquiries about permission.

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://dspace.mit.edu/handle/1721.1/7582

Language dc:language.iso

eng

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/1721.1/105704

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:dspace.mit.edu:1721.1/105704