Engineers Draw Inspiration from Squirrels for New Robotic Design

Engineers working on robots for space exploration have taken cues from a common squirrel, aiming to create advanced designs that could aid in search and rescue operations during disasters.

The team at the University of California, Berkeley crafted a robot capable of mimicking the remarkable leaping and landing abilities of squirrels, specifically how they navigate gaps between branches.

“Our inspiration came directly from squirrels,” Justin Im, a co-author of the research and Berkeley graduate, explained. He emphasized this point in an interview with Science News.

Robert Full, a senior author of the study and a professor of integrated biology at Berkeley, noted, “Squirrels are unmatched athletes in nature. Their agility in flight and ability to evade dangers are astounding.”

The researchers observed the intricate mechanics behind the squirrels’ jumps and landings, applying these insights to develop a one-legged robot named Salto.

“By studying the biomechanics of a squirrel’s leap and its landing techniques, we’ve created a hopping robot capable of alighting on narrow ledges,” the university reported in a press release.

Salto is engineered to replicate the skillful agility of squirrels, landing with precision.

Colloquially referred to as “Pogostick,” the robot’s movements allow it to navigate obstacles seamlessly, drawing from the natural talents of these nut-gathering critters. The term “saltatorial” scientifically describes how animals like kangaroos and rabbits leap.

Salto not only aims to explore low-gravity environments in space but could also assist in reaching individuals trapped during emergencies on Earth.

“Current robots are decent, yet we need to think about the next level,” one researcher pondered. “How do we make them maneuver through hazardous environments filled with debris like pipes and wires?”

In potential disaster situations where individuals might be stuck beneath rubble, the robots could play a crucial role in locating them, offering safety for rescuers.

A video from the Berkeley team showcases Salto in action, demonstrating its ability to squat and leap between metal dowels, gripping tightly to maintain balance upon landing.

The project, which began in 2016, has undergone various modifications to enhance its stability over the years.

While Salto has managed to jump between pipes successfully 25 out of 30 times, there’s still room for improvement in its landings.

Im remarked, “There’s considerable potential for development.” He also mentioned that engineers are working on refining the robot’s grip to mimic the way squirrels clutch tree branches.

The ultimate aim is for Salto to leap across distances equivalent to a soccer field and execute precise landings, perhaps even on a surface the size of a dime.

Once fully realized, this rodent-inspired robot could venture into environments like Saturn’s moon Enceladus, which has a gravity roughly 88 times weaker than Earth’s, researchers noted.