Walking model with no energy cost

Phys Rev E Stat Nonlin Soft Matter Phys. 2011 Mar;83(3 Pt 1):032901. doi: 10.1103/PhysRevE.83.032901. Epub 2011 Mar 8.

Abstract

We have numerically found periodic collisionless motions of a walking model consisting of linked rigid objects. Unlike previous designs, this model can walk on level ground at noninfinitesimal speed with zero energy input. The model avoids collisional losses by using an internal mode of oscillation: swaying of the upper body coupled to the legs by springs. Appropriate synchronized internal oscillations set the foot-strike collision to zero velocity. The concept might be of use for energy-efficient robots and may also help to explain aspects of human and animal locomotion efficiency.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomechanical Phenomena
  • Biophysics / methods*
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Equipment Design
  • Friction
  • Humans
  • Locomotion
  • Models, Anatomic
  • Motion
  • Movement*
  • Oscillometry / methods
  • Robotics
  • Time Factors
  • Walking / physiology*