Journal of Bionic Engineering ›› 2025, Vol. 22 ›› Issue (6): 3014-3028.doi: 10.1007/s42235-025-00776-8
Slow and Steady: an Analysis of Locomotion Behavior in Giant Pandas
Huan Shen1, Kai Cao1, Chao Liu2, Shikun Wen1, Qian Li3, Xiyuan Zhang4, Haibing Zhang1, Qingfei Han1, Ping Zhang1, Hengbo Chen1, Jiajun Xu1, Chufei Tang5, Rongping Wei6, Guiquan Zhang6, Dingzhen Liu7, Zhendong Dai1, Aihong Ji1
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1 College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, NanjingUniversity of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing210016, China
2 Robotics and Microsystems Center, College of Mechanicaland Electrical Engineering, Soochow University,Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu, China
Slow and Steady: an Analysis of Locomotion Behavior in Giant Pandas
Huan Shen1, Kai Cao1, Chao Liu2, Shikun Wen1, Qian Li3, Xiyuan Zhang4, Haibing Zhang1, Qingfei Han1, Ping Zhang1, Hengbo Chen1, Jiajun Xu1, Chufei Tang5, Rongping Wei6, Guiquan Zhang6, Dingzhen Liu7, Zhendong Dai1, Aihong Ji1 #br#
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1 College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, NanjingUniversity of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing210016, China
2 Robotics and Microsystems Center, College of Mechanicaland Electrical Engineering, Soochow University,Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu, China
摘要： This study examines the locomotor biomechanics of the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca), a species of profound ecological and evolutionary significance. Despite its characteristic slow movement and non-sprinting locomotion, the panda has endured for over 8 million years, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of mammalian locomotion. Through comprehensive gait analysis and ground reaction force measurements, we investigate the functional distinctions between the forelimbs and hind limbs, highlighting the biomechanical underpinnings of its plantigrade locomotion. Our findings reveal how the panda’s limb structure and movement patterns contribute to energy efficiency, particularly during slow locomotion. By comparing these results with those of other large mammals, such as grizzly bears (Ursus arcto), we explore the role of limb mechanics in energy conservation. Additionally, we assess the locomotor performance of pandas across different age groups, shedding light on the maturation of locomotor abilities and the potential adaptive significance of their slow, deliberate movement. This research offers novel insights into the biomechanics of panda locomotion and its evolutionary implications, furthering our understanding of the functional evolution of bear species and informing conservation strategies for this iconic species.