The physics of a walking robot

Abstract

The physics of walking is explored, using a toy as a concrete example and a 'toy' model applied to it. Besides the Newton's second law, the problem is also discussed from the thermodynamical perspective. Once the steady state (constant velocity) is achieved, we show that the internal energy of the toy is dissipated as heat in the surroundings.

6 pages, 3 figures

References in corpus (2)

• Forces on wheels and fuel consumption in cars
• From mechanics to thermodynamics -- analysis of selected examples

Cited by in corpus (6)

• Dissipation effects in mechanics and thermodynamics
• Thermodynamics in rotating systems -- analysis of selected examples
• Thermodynamical asymmetries in whirling, jumping and walking
• The physics of articulated toys - a jumping and rotating kangaroo
• On the work of internal forces
• "Walking" Along a Free Rotating Bicycle Wheel (Round and Round)