Bio-inspired 140-mg Microrobot Achieves Multi-Mode Locomotion with Functional Recursion

This research introduces an insect-scale microrobot weighing 140 mg that demonstrates multiple locomotion modes including aerial takeoff, terrestrial crawling, water-surface gliding, and controlled immersion. The robot uses a single multifunctional morphing frame driven by shape-memory alloy artificial muscles, encoding structural intelligence to adapt its body for different environments. These capabilities were tested as separate open-loop functions rather than a continuous autonomous mission, highlighting advances in lightweight, multifunctional robotic design.

Originally published by gnews