Mole-inspired robot is designed to dig its way through other planets

As we continue to explore other planets, we’re going to want to know not only what’s on their surface, but also what’s underneath it. That’s where the Mole-bot comes in – it’s a robot that autonomously tunnels its way through the ground.Continue Readin… Continue reading Mole-inspired robot is designed to dig its way through other planets

HAMR-JR is one of the smallest, fastest walking robots ever

It was seven years ago that we first heard about Harvard University’s HAMR cockroach-inspired robot. Although the bot was already on the tiny side, its designers have now created a version that’s just half its size – it’s time to meet HAMR-JR.Continue … Continue reading HAMR-JR is one of the smallest, fastest walking robots ever

Discovery of ocean insect’s secret could lead to slipperier ships

The “sea skater” is one of the few insects that lives full-time in a marine environment. Scientists are now taking a closer look at how the animal repels water, with an eye towards the development of more hydrodynamic ship hulls.Continue ReadingCategor… Continue reading Discovery of ocean insect’s secret could lead to slipperier ships

Mosquito night navigation inspires new drone obstacle avoidance system

Researchers have taken inspiration from a mosquito’s ability to fly and land in the dark to develop a new collision-avoidance sensory system that has been tested on a quadcopter. The international team of scientists, led by Professor Richard Bomphrey a… Continue reading Mosquito night navigation inspires new drone obstacle avoidance system

Soft-bodied robot channels the cheetah to move fast

An illustration depicting how the LEAP robot is inspired by the cheetah's running style

When we think of soft-bodied robots, we tend to picture things that slowly crawl like caterpillars. A new one is able to move much quicker, though, by leaping like a cheetah.

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Manta ray-inspired drone wins delivery competition in Africa

Although they’re relatively large, manta rays move easily through the water, thanks to their sleek shape. Well, that form has been copied in the aptly-named Manta Ray aerial delivery drone, which recently won an international competition.Continue Readi… Continue reading Manta ray-inspired drone wins delivery competition in Africa

Spiders inspire improved nanofiber-handling tech

Nanofibers have found use in numerous applications, ranging from lightweight car parts to high-strength materials. Now, thanks to a new understanding of a certain group of spiders, they may soon be easier to work with.Continue ReadingCategory: Material… Continue reading Spiders inspire improved nanofiber-handling tech

Walking robot uses neural net to change gaits

Insects rapidly transition between different walking gaits, in response to external stimuli. Scientists have now created a small robot that can do the same thing, utilizing an integrated artificial neural network – the technology might ultimately find … Continue reading Walking robot uses neural net to change gaits