Biomechatronics

Biomechatronics is an applied interdisciplinary science that aims to integrate mechanical elements, electronics and parts of biological organisms. Biomechatronics includes the aspects of biology, mechanics, and electronics. It also encompasses the fields of robotics and neuroscience. One example of Biomechatronics is a study done by Hugh Herr, a professor at MIT. Herr excised the muscles of frog legs, to attach to a mechanical fish and by pulsing electrical current through the muscle fibers, he caused the fish to swim. The goal of these experiments is to make devices that interact with human muscle, skeleton, and nervous systems. The end result is that the devices will help with human motor control that was lost or impaired by trauma, disease or birth defects.