Functionality of Octopus Arm Muscles

The purpose of this research project is to determine the functionality of each muscle group in an octopus arm. Quantitatively tracking the complex motion and electromyography signals produced by an activated arm, opens the door to unprecedented bio-inspired robotics. The research team is currently running experiments in which an amputated octopi arm is suspended in water and stimulated mechanically or electrically. EMG signals are collected by unipolar probes in the neural cord and main muscle fibers. Post-processing of the signals and quantitatively tracking the motion has been achieved, however further analysis is being performed.