INTEGRATING STATISTICAL PHYSICS INTO UNIVERSITY PHYSICS LABORATORY COURSES: THE APPLICATION OF TOY ROBOTS IN RESEARCH-BASED EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

While advanced university physics experiments in fields like mechanics, optics, and electromagnetism have well-established experimental resources, laboratory projects focused on statistical physics remain relatively scarce. To address this gap, this paper introduces innovative experimental projects that incorporate recent advances in toy robot research, creating a unique platform for teaching statistical physics. These experiments are not only cost-effective, easy to operate, and highly scalable, but they also present counterintuitive phenomena that require students to conduct precise statistical analyses, deepening their understanding of the underlying physical principles. Through these experiments, students can directly engage with and master the fundamental concepts and methods of statistical physics. Particularly in advanced and open-ended experimental settings, these projects have significant potential to inspire curiosity and stimulate innovative thinking. This study contributes not only by providing a new paradigm for teaching statistical physics but also by successfully translating cutting-edge physics research into practical educational projects, thereby revitalizing university physics education.