New Robot Can Jump on Water
29th July 2012
Read it. And watch the video.
The robot’s five legs consist of carbon-fiber bars atop supports made from superhydrophobic nickel, an extremely water-repellent compound. When plunged into water, a pocket of air forms around the nickel, preventing the legs from sinking.
Three supporting legs balance the robot, while two spring-loaded jumping legs send it six inches high and twice as far.