Robot That Walks on Water
With the new amphibious Water Runner robot, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created the first robot of its kind. This robot mimicks the actions of several water-striding lizards and insects in order to allow the Water Runner to actually “walk” on water.
They found that the [lizards] first slaps the water with its web-like foot, strokes downward with an elliptical motion to create an air pocket and then pulls its foot out of the water while curling its toes inward. By repeating this slapping and stroking sequence up to 10 times a second, the lizard generates enough forward thrust and lift to run on water without tipping over or sinking. …
Although it is only a basic prototype, the researchers imagine their amphibious Water Runner robot could be equipped with biochemical sensors that monitor water quality; deployed with cameras for spying, search-and-rescue or exploration; or outfitted with bacteria to break down pollutants.
The article goes on the state that currently the Water Runner is powered by an external power supply, but later versions would contain an independent battery. It would be very interesting to see the little guy in action.
