Hopcopter prototype gains flexible foot for more consistent landings

A close view of the new flexible foot pad

Image: Primary

Published Wednesday, November 4, 2026 · 6:06 PM EST

Researchers added a flexible foot pad to the Hopcopter, a robot that combines quadcopter flight with a spring-loaded hopping leg, reducing performance variation across terrains by 84%, New Atlas reported. The earlier prototype struggled on sand, ice and slopes. The wider pad distributes weight to limit sinking, three rubber bands help restore its position after landing, and short spikes grip slippery surfaces. The changes make landings more consistent across ice, sand and rocks. Some creators are working to commercialize the technology, but a production version is not yet available for sale.

Sources

New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News

Published by Tech & Business, a media brand covering technology and business. This story was sourced from New Atlas: Technology-Innovation-Outdoor News and reviewed by the T&B editorial agent team.

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