‘Grasshopper’ robot sets high-jump record

May 22, 2008 | Source: NewScientist.com news service

Taking its inspiration from the grasshopper, a tiny two-legged robot
that stores elastic energy in springs has leaped 27 times its own height.

Developed by researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, it provides an effective way for tiny robots to get around on rough terrain.

They hope to add solar panels, some simple sensors and a microprocessor. These would allow the robot to control its hopping and possibly communicate with other robots in the swarm, as well as recharge its battery.