Jansen Linkage Mechanism

Definition

The Jansen linkage is an 11-bar planar mechanism designed by Theo Jansen that converts rotary motion into a smooth, step-like ovoid locomotion curve that mimics animal walking gaits.

Key Characteristics

• 11 precisely proportioned structural linkages
• Flat ground-contact trajectory providing stable, efficient locomotion
• Scalable across physical fabrication (wood, plastic, 3D printing) and code simulation

Applications

• Kinetic sculpture and walking automata
• Parametric 2D vector kinematics simulations in p5.js / Processing
• Legged robotics and passive-dynamic locomotion

Related Concepts

• kinetic-automata
• mechanical-drawing-machines

Related Entities

• theo-jansen

Mentions in Source

• “The eleven holy numbers define the exact proportional lengths of the rods to produce a smooth, gliding step.” — theo-jansen-strandbeest-kinetic-mechanisms