We have covered plenty of inspect inspired robots here in the past. UC Berkeley researchers have now developed an insect-sized robot that can move across the floor at the speed of a cockroach. It is also tough enough to survive being stepped on.
This robot is made of polyvinylidene fluoride. It can move on the ground at a speed of 20 body lengths per second. As the researchers explain:
The robot is currently “tethered” to a thin wire that carries an electric voltage that drives the oscillations. The team is experimenting with adding a battery so the robot can roam independently. They are also working to add gas sensors and are improving the design of the robot so it can be steered around obstacles.
[HT]