Scientists Build Ninja Robot, Comes With Wall Jumping Acrobatics

Robots that can do crazy stunts like flipping through the air in rapid succession after jumping ten feet up has been the dream imparted by movies, TV shows, books, and other mediums for entertainment. Scientists managed to achieve this in part in the small-scale, with a miniature robot that can jump from wall to wall.

The robot was created by UC Berkeley robotics engineers, Phys.org reports, and it is known as Salto. The name is derived from the term “saltatorial locomotion,” which is basically how an object moves while confronted with obstacles.

It can basically make a huge spring jump, much like how grasshoppers would propel themselves into the air. From the ground, Salto can jump from any wall it comes in contact with and can repeat this for up to five times.

So far, the robot was able to reach heights of up to 8.5 meters after doing the combined wall jump. It weighs 100 grams and is a little over 26 cm in height. Once it jumps, it can propel itself into the air at speeds of up to 1.75 meters per second.

Anyone who has ever seen movies, cartoons, or read books about agile machines capable of such feats will instantly comprehend the implications of such a technology. On that note, it is worth mentioning that the researchers are actually thinking more along the lines of improved search and rescue efforts with the help of such technology.

Although the scientists based their research on creating the Salto on over 20 species of jumping animals and insects, it would seem that the Galago had the most impact on making it a reality, Science Magazine reports. The Galago is a nocturnal primate known for its unique ability to store energy in its tendons and then releasing it in order to achieve huge leaps. By doing this, the creature is able to generate power 20 times what its muscles were capable of.