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MIT Unveils Agile Insect-Scale Robot Capable of Hopping Across Challenging Terrains

The energy-efficient robot, smaller than a human thumb, demonstrates advanced locomotion and payload capabilities with potential for autonomous real-world applications.

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Overview

  • The miniature robot uses a hybrid locomotion system combining a spring-based elastic leg and flapping-wing modules to achieve efficient and agile movement.
  • It consumes 60% less energy than comparable aerial robots while navigating diverse terrains such as ice, grass, and uneven surfaces.
  • Weighing less than a paperclip, the robot can carry payloads up to 10 times its weight, enabling the integration of batteries, sensors, and circuits for future autonomy.
  • The robot's control system employs motion tracking and algorithms to adjust its trajectory and orientation mid-flight, ensuring stability and precision.
  • Researchers are focusing on integrating autonomous functionality for deployment in real-world scenarios, such as search and rescue in confined or hazardous environments.