Building a realistic neuronal model that simulates multi-joint arm and hand movements in 3D space.

The question as to how the brain controls voluntary movements of the arm and hand still remains largely unsolved despite much research focused on behavioral studies, neurophysiological investigations, and neuronal modeling in computer science. This is because behavioral studies are usually performed without detailed knowledge of the underlying neuronal networks, neurophysiological studies often lack an understanding of the function, and neuronal models are frequently focused on a particular control problem with restricted knowledge of the underlying neuronal networks involved. Therefore, it seems appropriate to start by trying to integrate knowledge of neuronal networks with known function and computer based neuronal models to seek more realistic models that can better control robots or artificial limbs and hands. We propose to combine knowledge of a behavioral model for reaching with the hand toward an object, which is based on detailed knowledge of the underlying neuronal network, and a neuronal model that includes several functional levels, from the planning level via intermediate levels to the final level of control of motoneurons and muscles.