Related papers: Working with simple machines
Using Reinforcement Learning (RL) in simulation to construct policies useful in real life is challenging. This is often attributed to the sequential decision making aspect: inaccuracies in simulation accumulate over multiple steps, hence…
Traditional robots have rigid links and structures that limit their ability to interact with the dynamics of their immediate environment. For example, conventional robot manipulators with rigid links can only manipulate objects using…
A new model for mechanical computing is demonstrated that requires only two basic parts: links and rotary joints. These basic parts are combined into two main higher level structures: locks and balances, which suffice to create all…
The paper discusses the kinematics of manipulators builts of planar closed kinematic chains. A special kinematic scheme is extracted from the array of these mechanisms that looks the most promising for the creation of different types of…
Robust and generalized tool manipulation requires an understanding of the properties and affordances of different tools. We investigate whether linguistic information about a tool (e.g., its geometry, common uses) can help control policies…
The dynamics of a simple pencil with a tip laid on a rough table and set free to fall under the action of gravity is scrutinized as a pedagogic case study. The full inquiry is anticipated by a review of three other simplified movements…
Engines are open systems that can generate work cyclically, at the expense of an external disequilibrium. They are ubiquitous in nature and technology, but the course of mathematical physics over the last 300 years has tended to make their…
Modification of three ideas underlying Newton's original world view, with only minor changes in context, might offer two advantages to introductory physics students. First, the students will experience less cognitive dissonance when they…
Humans often think of complex tasks as combinations of simpler subtasks in order to learn those complex tasks more efficiently. For example, a backflip could be considered a combination of four subskills: jumping, tucking knees, rolling…
Recent approaches in robotics follow the insight that perception is facilitated by interaction with the environment. These approaches are subsumed under the term of Interactive Perception (IP). It provides the following benefits: (i)…
This paper introduces reproducible research, and explains its importance, benefits and challenges. Some important tools for conducting reproducible research in Transportation Research are also introduced. Moreover, the source code for…
In this paper, a new kind of soft sets related with some common decision making problems in real life called central soft sets is introduced. Properties of some basic operations on central soft sets are shown. It is investigated that some…
We report on our study of student understanding of the physics of mechanical waves, specifically the propagation and superposition of simple wavepulses traveling on long, taut strings. We introduce the terms "particle pulses mental model"…
This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model of a servopneumatic system, aimed at its consolidation in literature. The work exploits system's friction forces, temperature and pressure evolution, heat transfer, leakage between…
Our understanding of the Universe breaks down for very small spacetime intervals, corresponding to an extremely high level of granularity (and energy), commonly referred to as the ``Planck scale''. At this fundamental level, there are…
I discuss some interesting classroom demonstrations of diamagnetism and how this effect can produce levitation. The possibilities for hands-on demonstrations of diamagnetic and superconducting levitation are discussed. To conclude I discuss…
Simple Hamiltonian systems, such as mathematical pendulum or Euler equations for rigid body, are solved without computation. It is nothing but a joke but maybe you will find it nice.
We present a thermodynamics experiment suitable for first year undergraduate students employing Stirling Engines to create a demonstration of energy transformation and to measure the mechanical efficiency of such engines. Using an…
Good problems grab us. They invite us to find patterns, make conjectures, and prove-or perhaps disprove-a conjecture. When I first taught, I saw my work as tantalizing students with structures just beyond their reach, so that I could elicit…
Purpose: Industrial robots allow manufacturing companies to increase productivity and remain competitive. For robots to be used, they must be accepted by operators on the one hand and bought by decision-makers on the other. The roles…