Snapping robot outpaces rigid-legged version across six surfaces

Researchers at UCLA and the University of Michigan built a prototype robot whose flexible limbs snap between shapes, averaging 2.46 body lengths per second across six surfaces against 0.79 for a rigid-legged version with equal-power motors. Small motors twist helical Nitinol rods to store elastic energy, then release it suddenly to propel the robot. The 11-cm-long, 98.2-g machine hopped across grass and sand, climbed small steps and swam with fins attached. The design balances the force of each snap against the time needed to reset its limbs. Navigation demonstrations remain basic, and the speed comparison covered only the team's rigid-legged version, rather than other spring-powered jumping robots.