Robostrider

Robostrider is a self-propelled robot which uses similar mechanisms to real water striders in order to glide along the surface of the water. It was developed at Cambridge, Massachusetts.^[1]

Schematic diagram of robostrider

Robostrider faces its biological counterpart

Robostrider does not break the surface layer of the water despite leg speeds of 18 centimetres per second (7.1 in/s) it generates both capillary waves and vortices while in motion, as do Gerridae. Hu and Bush state that Robostrider moves "in a style less elegant than its natural counterpart" ^[1] but point out that it can cover 20 centimetres (7.9 in) in five strides, with one winding.

See also

• Animal locomotion on the surface layer of water.