Home Science 50 boffins create robotic water strider that can leap on water

50 boffins create robotic water strider that can leap on water

Say hello to the latest craze in the science community. A group of scientists and researchers have managed to put together one of the most interesting robots a person could imagine. It mimics science, and like all great scientific creations, there is always something to be learned from nature. This instance is definitely no exception to that rule.

The team pointed out that the robot leaps with 14 G’s of pressure, creating one of the most powerful and prolific leaps in science or nature. However, this is something that isn’t unusual or strange for nature. The Jesus Lizard is something that has widely been known in the science world as being one of the best leaping animals out there. Now, though, it has some mechanical competition.

This lizard-like robot can go from a dead-float to a vertical leap that is rivaled by creatures here on land. Interestingly, though, this is something that is being thought of as a potential breakthrough for the science community as a whole. Thanks to the surface tension of the water, the water strider is able to leap into the air and create an impressive vertical leap. Is it going to be breaking any records in the near-future? Probably not. However, it will definitely be bringing together some interesting pieces of technology, which could eventually be used and applied in other areas of scientific study.

The lead author of the study Je-Sung Koh pointed out that, “even if you can jump on water, the jumping height will [usually] be lower than jumping on ground. However, our small robot can jump on water without breaking the water surface, and can jump on water as high as jumping on land.” It isn’t just a challenge that is difficult for humans to execute, or larger animals – but even the smallest of creatures.

This is why this study is so important. It sheds light onto something that hasn’t really been considered or looked at closely before. Now, though, it would appear as though that is in the process of changing. Creating a stronger and more effective working to create a powerful mechanical function that can work well on top of the water like this. It is something that might seem fit for a movie, but rather, this is something now that has become a scientific reality – thanks to this particular group of researchers.