Dr. Noah Cowan

Biography

The LIMBS laboratory at Johns Hopkins University focuses on understanding how animals and robots move. By studying principles of animal movement, the lab aims to reverse engineer biomechanical and neural control mechanisms that enable agile and efficient locomotion. This knowledge is applied to robotics, where the team designs innovative control systems inspired by biological insights. The LIMBS lab combines expertise from engineering, neuroscience, and integrative biology. They use sophisticated experimental modeling techniques to explore how the brain and body work together to achieve movement. By collaborating closely with neuroscientists, they investigate how sensory information is processed and used to guide movement in both animals and robots. This interdisciplinary approach allows the team to uncover new principles of sensory guidance and control. The work done in the LIMBS lab has practical applications in developing prosthetics, improving robotic systems for search and rescue missions, and enhancing the understanding of neurological disorders that affect movement. By bridging the gap between biology and engineering, the LIMBS lab drives innovations that significantly impact healthcare technology.

Research Interests