A bionic micro-robot that walks on water

Scientists have reportedly developed a new aquatic micro-robot that mimics the amazing trait of the water strider, the long-legged insect that scoots across the surface of ponds, lakes and other waterways. The bionic micro-robot incorporates improvements over previous devices. This quality may see it being used for military spy missions, water pollution monitoring and other applications, according to the scientists. The study has been published in journal, ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.

“Walking on the water surface is a dream for humans, but it a way of life for some aquatic insects,” said Qinmin Pan, citing water striders, mosquitoes, and water spiders. This is due largely to their highly water-repellent (super-hydrophobic) legs. Other scientists have made tiny aquatic devices based on the water strider, with the hope of developing bionic robots that can monitor water supplies, conduct military spy missions when equipped with a camera, and perform other tasks. But until now, no one has found a way to make water-walking robots that are practical, agile, and inexpensive.

The scientists, while stating the progress on the robot, said it has a body about the size of a quarter; ten water-repellent, wire legs; and two movable, oar-like legs - propelled by two miniature motors. “Because the weight of the micro-robot is equal to that of about 390 water striders, one might expect it to sink quickly when placed on the water surface,” the report said. However, it stands effortlessly on water surfaces and also walks and turns freely.