The MIT Leg Laboratory's Quadruped, a design discussed in class. (Image courtesy of the MIT Leg Laboratory.)
Instructor(s)
Noah Riskin
Prof. Alex Slocum
Aline Newton
MIT Course Number
PE.920
As Taught In
Spring 2005
Level
Undergraduate
Course Description
Course Features
Course Description
The sensing, thinking, moving body is the basis of our experience in the world; it is the very foundation on which cognitive intelligence is built. Physical Intelligence, then, is the inherent ability of the human organism to function in extraordinary accord with its physical environment. This class--a joint offering from the Department of Athletics, Physical Education and Recreation (DAPER) and Department of Mechanical Engineering (ME) for both PE and academic credit--uses the MIT gymnastics gym as a laboratory to explore Physical Intelligence as applied to Mechanical Engineering and design. Readings, discussions and experiential learning introduce various dimensions of Physical Intelligence which students then apply to the design of innovative exercise equipment.