When small robots are created, overcoming obstacles in the environment becomes a significant challenge. To address this, engineers from Harvard University have designed a palm-sized robot, inspired by nature, that can walk, jump, and pull objects.
Robert Wood, head of the Harvard Micro-Robotics Laboratory, states that this microbot can jump like an insect. Its walking provides an efficient and precise locomotion mode, but it still has limitations when it comes to crossing obstacles.
Robert further mentioned that jumping could help the robot overcome obstacles, but it is less controlled. A combination of both methods makes the microbot somewhat effective in navigating natural and unstructured environments.
This agile and small machine was inspired by nature’s best gymnast, the springtail insect. This insect can launch itself into the air in just 18 milliseconds to escape predators, whenever there is dirt on the ground.
