--- title: "Frog-Inspired Robot Uses Twisted Elastic Rods to Hop Across Surfaces" url: https://newscentral.site/frog-inspired-robot-uses-twisted-elastic-rods-to-hop-across-surfaces/ language: en publisher: "News Central Site" section: "Science" published: 2026-10-07T09:00:00.000Z updated: 2026-10-07T11:36:10.129Z id: 42e6065f-df56-4c7d-9aea-81d12b5cd346 source: "Live Science https://www.livescience.com/technology/robotics/roboticists-showcase-tiny-frog-like-robot-that-can-hop-across-wet-surfaces-and-swim" attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/frog-inspired-robot-uses-twisted-elastic-rods-to-hop-across-surfaces/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story." --- # Frog-Inspired Robot Uses Twisted Elastic Rods to Hop Across Surfaces A tiny robot that mimics the agility of frogs has been designed using twisted elastic rods, allowing it to hop across wet surfaces with ease. Researchers have turned to nature for inspiration once again, this time drawing from the agility and adaptability of frogs. Scientists have designed a tiny robot that mimics the characteristics of these amphibians, enabling it to hop across wet surfaces with ease. The innovative design uses twisted elastic rods to create a "snapping motion" that allows the robot to propel itself forward in short jumps. This mechanism has significant implications for robotics, particularly for devices with limited power and those that need to navigate challenging terrain or water. By harnessing this snapping motion, robots can potentially traverse obstacles without requiring large motors or complex control systems. A prototype of the frog-like robot was developed to demonstrate its capabilities. Measuring just palm-sized, the device weighs a mere 3.4 ounces, roughly equivalent to a standard deck of playing cards. When in motion, it covers approximately three body lengths per second, showcasing its impressive agility and speed. The designers' goal is to create robots that can handle complex tasks with minimal power requirements. They envision these devices being used in various environments, from rough terrain to water, where traditional robotic systems might struggle. By leveraging the mechanics of the twisting rods, they aim to simplify the control and propulsion systems of future robots. According to Xiaonan (Sean) Huang, an assistant professor of robotics at the University of Michigan and co-first author of the study, this breakthrough offers a broader opportunity for the field of robotics. He notes that by allowing the mechanics of the robot to do some of the work, researchers can create more efficient devices that require less power and complexity in their control systems. The researchers are looking for ways to make their robots more efficient and adaptable in complex environments. They've found that by harnessing the stored energy in flexible structures, they can create powerful movements without overloading the motor. This approach could be particularly useful for robots navigating cluttered terrain or operating across different surfaces. When a flexible rod is bent and twisted, it can change shape suddenly, releasing built-up tension and providing a strong push. However, this transformation doesn't always happen in the same way - some combinations of bending and twisting cause the rod to deform gradually, while others lead to a rapid snap. The team used computer simulations and robotic arm experiments to identify an optimal shape for their flexible rods. They found that a helix-like structure, similar to a coiled spring, allowed for the maximum release of energy when deformed. To achieve this efficient motion, the researchers programmed the rod's elastic structure to store and rapidly release energy at specific times, allowing for powerful movements without constantly demanding high motor output. The design of the rod's elastic structure was crucial in achieving efficient motion for the roboticists' tiny, frog-like robot. They programmed the rods to store and rapidly release energy at specific times, enabling powerful movements without constant high motor demand. The researchers connected the snapping rods to a rotating motor, twisting them until they produced the desired snapping motion. The motor then unwound the twist, contorting the rod again, allowing for repeated action. Associate Professor Khalid Jawed noted that the design rules are adaptable across different sizes and scales due to the rod's shape and end movement. This versatility opens up promising possibilities for miniaturized robots just a few millimeters in size. The team built a frog-like robot with a pair of snapping rods at its rear, which was put through various tests on diverse surfaces. The robot demonstrated impressive agility on solid materials like wood and glass, as well as softer, more slippery surfaces made from leather. In addition to hopping, the robot's capabilities were further showcased by its ability to climb and descend steps, and even swim with paddle attachments outdoors on sand and grass. The tiny robot's agility was further demonstrated by its ability to navigate complex terrain. By utilizing one of the adjustable rods, the developers allowed the robot to pivot and change direction, which proved crucial in overcoming obstacles during remote control operation. The team successfully tested the robot on a small obstacle course, showcasing its remarkable adaptability and versatility. --- Source: [Live Science](https://www.livescience.com/technology/robotics/roboticists-showcase-tiny-frog-like-robot-that-can-hop-across-wet-surfaces-and-swim) Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/frog-inspired-robot-uses-twisted-elastic-rods-to-hop-across-surfaces/