The current form and function of the human neuromusculoskeletal system is the result of millions of years of natural evolution. Its dynamics and adaptiveness is still beyond full understanding by science. Today’s robotic systems are predominantly the result of scientific and technological advancement since the middle of the twentieth century. While initially they were reprogrammable machines for repetitive tasks, current research is focusing on bringing robots to close physical interaction with humans, mimicking and augmenting human performance.

At the Human Robotics Labs our mission is twofold: on one hand to probe human performance using systems analysis tools contributing to the scientific understanding of human dynamics and motor control, and on the other hand to take inspiration from this understanding towards the development of novel systems for physical human-robot interaction. Our efforts find application in diverse areas such as Surgical Robotics, Assistive Robotics and Industrial Robotics. Our common denominator is impedance control.