Load Lugging Locomotion: Lessons from Indigenous People, Rhino Beetles, and Wallabies
Abstract
Two fundamental mechanisms underlie walking and running. walking involves an inverted pendulum-like exchange of kinetic and gravitational potential energy. Running involves spring-like exchange between kinetic and gravitational potential energy with elastic energy stored in the tendons. People are better able to utilize the inverted pendulum mechanism when loads are carried on the head and this method allows small loads to be carried for free. However, there is not a clear link between the mechanical work performed in walking and the metabolic cost. Rhinoceros beetles are able to carry enormous loads very cheaply but how they do so is not clear. People can use external springs to carry loads more comfortably, but not more cheaply. But kangaroos and wallabies can use internal springs to save energy during their bopping gait and to carry loads in their pouches. These examples can inspire novel means of improved human load carriage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2001
- Accession Number
- ADP010996
Entities
People
- Rudger Kram
Organizations
- University of Colorado Boulder