Carl-Johan Thore

Robust topology optimization

Active structures

Another research interest is design optimization of active structures. Specifically, I work on so-called Neuro-Mechanical Oscillators (NMOs). These are bio-inspired mechanical network structures made up from simple elements, each containing an actuator and an artificial neuron.

In the video below you can see an example of a simple, truss-like NMO comprising twenty elements. This NMO has been optimized such that the center node moves counterclockwise in a circle with given radius. The elements in red are contracting, like muscles, to generate motion. Couplings between the artificial neurons are shown as curved line in green or magenta, and their shifting color and thickness represent the activity in the neural network formed by the artificial neurons. It is this activity that controls the motion.

A detailed description of the ideas and theory behind Neuro-Mechanical Oscillators can be found here and here (requires subscription).