Generation of Direct-, Retrograde-, and Source-Wave Gaits in Multi-Legged Locomotion in a Decentralized Manner via Embodied Sensorimotor Interaction

Multi-legged animals show several types of ipsilateral interlimb coordination. Millipedes use a direct-wave gait, in which the swing leg movements propagate from posterior to anterior. In contrast, centipedes use a retrograde-wave gait, in which the swing leg movements propagate from anterior to posterior. Interestingly, when millipedes walk in a specific way, both direct and retrograde waves of the swing leg movements appear with the waves' source, which we call the source-wave gait. However, the gait generation mechanism is still unclear because of the complex nature of the interaction between neural control and dynamic body systems. The present study used a simple model to understand the mechanism better, primarily how local sensory feedback affects multi-legged locomotion. The model comprises a multi-legged body and its locomotion control system using biologically inspired oscillators with local sensory feedback, phase resetting. Each oscillator controls each leg independently. Our simulation produced the above three types of animal gaits. These gaits are not predesigned but emerge through the interaction between the neural control and dynamic body systems through sensory feedback (embodied sensorimotor interaction) in a decentralized manner. The analytical description of these gaits' solution and stability clarifies the embodied sensorimotor interaction's functional roles in the interlimb coordination.