Neural Hardware

CPG

Central Pattern Generator — autonomous spinal cord circuits that produce rhythmic movement without continuous cortical input.

CPG (Central Pattern Generator) refers to neural circuits, primarily in the spinal cord, that generate rhythmic motor patterns (walking, swimming, chewing) without needing continuous commands from higher brain centers. They operate like autonomous oscillators.

Key Concepts

  • Mutual inhibition — alternating neurons inhibit each other, creating a biological "pendulum"
  • Sensory feedback — CPGs adapt to load, terrain, and proprioceptive input
  • Ground contact time — gait efficiency correlates with CPG tuning
  • Cross-lateral patterns — crawling and cross-body movements recalibrate CPGs

In ONDA Life

The CPG Neural Autopilot article covers cross-lateral reset, cadence hack, and sensory override protocols to optimize CPG function.