jumping robot

Engineers have unveiled a palm-sized jumping robot powered by a tiny electric motor, capable of controlled leaps. The compact design points to potential uses in search-and-rescue, inspection, and exploration of hard-to-reach spaces, and the demonstration is drawing attention in robotics circles.

Engineers at UCLA have developed a small hopping robot that moves like a frog, using twisting elastic rods as its propulsion mechanism. The design stores energy in the elastic rods, which twist to launch the robot into jumps. The work points to new ways of building agile robots that can hop over obstacles where wheels or legs struggle.