Physics of transforming robot toys: A high school or College Physics teaching laboratory

An unlikely but rich source of inspiring physics examples can be found through the study of basic mechanical toys.

A seemingly simple mechanical toy can often demonstrate many physical concepts in their  successful operation and resulting entertaining motions. I will present the outline of a practical,  enjoyable and educational laboratory teaching activity for students at the high school to undergraduate level utilizing 1980’s vintage auto-transforming robot toys.

These simple motorized toy robots containing no electronics or remote control demonstrate a great deal of different concepts in mechanics as they race forward and flip open during their rapid but simple transformation.

The action of these simple robots allows students the opportunity to employ the apparatus of a basic physics laboratory to observe and measure the toy’s motion. The audience will also join the author in answering a question posed almost forty years prior. How does a small switch with no electronics or significant weight influence the operation of a motorized auto-transforming robot?