It has baffled scientists for years - why the penguin waddles in such a distinctive manner . Most other diving birds are able to simply fly on land - but not the penguin . Now , researchers hope to unravel the mystery of the waddle - and find out how it evolved . Watch the penguins on their custom catwalk . Using a special motion detecting 'catwalk ' Professor Hutchison and paleobiologist James Proffitt have been measuring how the penguins apply forces on the left and right legs as they waddle . Researchers set up a corridor with a platform that had force plates embedded in it . The penguins walked over this to get their breakfast . Researchers also filmed the walk in slow motion , and are looking for the forces the birds excert , how it breaks down between each leg and what the biomechanics of that are . Scientists from the Royal Veterinary College and University of Texas at Austin have visited London Zoo to study the way the animals walk . Prof John Hutchison from the RVC said : 'The upright posture and waddling gait of penguins is not often seen in other birds . 'Most wing-propelled diving birds move using flight when they are not in the water . ' Using a special motion detecting 'catwalk ' Professor Hutchison and paleobiologist James Proffitt have been measuring how the Humboldt penguins apply forces on the left and right legs as they waddle . 'We 're trying to understand the minute detail of how waddling works with living penguins , and then taking that back in time , looking at the fossil record of penguins to understand how evolving for such a specialised underwater lifestyle has affected their ability to move on land , ' said Proffitt . 'We set up a corridor with a platform that had force plates embedded in it . If they want to move quickly or cross steep or rocky terrain they may jump with both feet together . 'The penguins walked over this to get their breakfast . 'We were looking for the forces they exert , how it breaks down between each leg and what the biomechanics of that are . ' 'Zoos provide an opportunity for research scientists to look at organisms that otherwise would be very difficult to study in the wild . ' Penguin keeper Zuzanna Matyasova said : 'We know our penguins really well , we know what they eat , we know how they behave on a day to day basis , and we know how to breed them for conservation purposes . 'But to know how they evolved to be like this is very important . ' Penguin keeper Zuzanna Matyasova said : 'We know our penguins really well , we know what they eat , we know how they behave on a day to day basis , and we know how to breed them for conservation purposes . '
Researchers at London Zoo built sensor-laden area to monitor movement . Hope it will give new insight into how the penguin evolved unique walk .