Small but Mighty: MIT’s Tiny Hopping Robot Moves Through Ice, Soil and Glass
Engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have created a tiny hopping robot that mimics the motion of insects to move through rugged terrain. Despite its size—smaller than a thumb and lighter than a paperclip—the robot can leap over obstacles and handle a wide range of surfaces, including ice, wet glass, and soil.
Its compact design uses a spring-loaded leg paired with four flapping-wing modules. This allows it to jump as high as 20 centimetres, which is four times its own height. Compared to similar-sized flying robots, it uses 60% less energy while still maintaining stability and control during each jump.
Efficient Design for Stability and Payload
The robot’s leg operates like the mechanism in a click pen, efficiently converting energy for powerful leaps. The four wings help stabilise it mid-air, guiding its orientation and ensuring safe landings. These features allow the robot to move precisely, even in shifting and challenging environments.
Remarkably, the device can carry loads up to 10 times its own weight. This enables it to hold batteries, sensors, and circuits—essential for future development into a fully autonomous robot.
Yi-Hsuan (Nemo) Hsiao, a graduate student at MIT and co-lead author, explained: “The passive leg, just like a tiny pogo stick, makes sure the robot can bounce back efficiently from the ground. On the other hand, the flapping wing modules ensure the robot stays upright for stability.”
Future Uses in Rescue and Exploration
The robot’s ability to jump, fly briefly, and stabilise itself gives it a unique edge in small-scale robotics. Researchers believe it could play a key role in search and rescue missions. Its design allows it to reach confined or dangerous areas where larger robots cannot go.
The project, partly funded by the National Science Foundation, aims to add onboard power and sensors, moving toward full autonomy.
“The great thing about this robot is that it can traverse various terrain,” said Hsiao. “In the very extreme case where the droppers encounter challenging terrains like a steep surface, it can still fly over it if it’s needed.”
with inputs from Reuters
