We are working in Professor Kim’s Applied Dynamics Lab where we observed an experiment that uses multiple cameras and pressure plates to capture the stride and forces of a subject walking on the pressure plates. Professor Kim’s group is performing these data collection experimental studies to determine the energy used in walking. We are considering working on the analysis of strides.

Currently, we are investigating a way to measure the energy consumed by a robotic limb. To work towards this goal, we have devoted time to learn working with an Arduino microcontroller and studying the electronics that interface between the Arduino microcontroller and the servo motor.

We see this research as being useful in a Physics class when explaining energy, both mechanical and electrical. The data we collect will show how engineers use the concept of energy consumption to determine the efficiency of the systems they have designed.