Exploring the biomechanics of digitigrade stilts using techniques from legged robotics

Stilts are a popular technique for transforming the proportions of a performer’s body into those of a fantasy creature, however, they are not typically designed to complement the biomechanics of the human body and therefore require specialized training and exhausting effort to wear. This paper documents the first steps in the design of digitigrade stilts using techniques from biology-inspired robotics, including trajectory optimization and rapid protoyping. We will investigate the effect of digitigrade stilts of different lengths on walking gait, and design supports inspired by ostrich toes to counteract the difficulties of standing in these stilts.