Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a robot that is only 5-inches long, weighs 23 grams, and can jump a massive 11 feet high and 4.5 feet horizontally.

The robot is inspired by the locust, and it can jump more than twice the height of other similarly sized robots, a height that is 25 times the size of the robot's body.

"We demonstrate a design that is closer to nature," said Valentin Zaitsev in an interview with Tech Xplore. "In addition, the design enables a significant increase in stored energy. Both these aspects result in better performance compared to previous robotic designs."

According to the researchers, the main reason the robot, called TAUB, can jump as high as it can is the fact that it can store a lot more energy in the torsion springs in its leg joints. This is done through a lever mechanism that is inspired by how locusts jump, using their hind legs to launch themselves into the air.

A real locust has three stages during a jump. In the first, the legs are bent in preparation for a jump. Then, the legs are locked into place. Last but not least, a sudden release of the muscle in the upper leg unlocks that joint, causing a quick release of energy, which kicks the legs and propels the locust into the air.

The robot doesn't imitate the locust exactly, although researchers did focus on a few key biomechanical features of the locust to imitate for the jumping mechanism in the robot. The mechanism uses a wire that acts as a tendon, connecting the small motor to the end of the legs. As the motor rotates, the wire is pulled, storing the energy required to make the robot jump. A locking mechanism then holds the wire in place, after which the wire is quickly released, producing a kicking movement.

Currently the researchers are working on a gliding mechanism that will help the robot extend how far it can jump as well as lower the impact of landing.

Via: Tech Xplore