Key Takeaways:
- 1. Researchers have developed tiny robots inspired by Rhagovelia water striders that can glide across water surfaces.
- 2. The robots mimic the unique fan-like appendages on the water striders’ middle legs, which passively open and close to adjust to water movement.
- 3. The structure of the leg fans was studied using a scanning electron microscope to replicate in robot design.
Inspired by Rhagovelia water striders, researchers have created tiny robots that can walk on water surfaces by mimicking the insects' fan-like leg appendages. These artificial propellers passively open and close to adjust to water movement, generating propulsion and allowing the robots to move effortlessly on water. The team studied the leg fans' structure using a scanning electron microscope to accurately replicate it in their robot design.
Insight: The development of these water-walking robots based on nature's design could lead to advancements in semi-aquatic robotics, showcasing the potential of biomimicry in creating innovative technologies.
This article was curated by memoment.jp from the feed source: Ars Technica.
Read the original article here: https://arstechnica.com/science/2025/09/robotic-bug-literally-walks-on-water/
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