Mechanosensory Control of Locomotion in Animals and Robots: Moving Forward

Synopsis Whit e animals swim, crawl, watk, and fly with apparent ease, buit ding robots capable of robust locomotion remains a significant chalt enge. In this review, we draw attentt on to mechanosensatt on-the sensing of mechanicat forces generated within and outside the bo dy-as a key sense that enables robust locomotion in animals. We discuss differences between mechanosensation in animals and current robots with respect to (1) the encoding properties and distribution ot mechanos ens ors and (2) the integration and regulation ot mechanosensory fe e db ack. We argue that robotics would benefit greatty from a detait ed understanding of these aspects in animals. To that end, we highlight promising experimentat and engtneering approaches to study mechanosensation, emphasizing the mutual benefits for bt ologists and engtneers that emerge from moving forward together.