This Robot Is So Durable That It Can Survive After Being Pounded By A Fly Swatter

Nature is by far the richest source of inspiration for robotics. However, we have not had much success in replicate the magic Mother Nature has given every living creature. However, we are closer than ever before to that goal. Recently, a tiny robot was created with the durability of some real insects found in real life. What it can do is to survive after being pounded by a fly swatter.

For now, to make such a tiny robot, compromises have to be made. For example, they can move swiftly but only with an external source of power, and they can only navigate with human control.

The DEAnsect has a little bit of everything, efficiency, locomotion, and intelligence. It moves from place to place with three tiny legs, controlled by the change of electric current. This happens so fast that we cannot see it with our bare eyes. Its average speed is nothing compared to a spider or a cockroach, but that is a big leap when it comes to self-sustaining robots.

The DEAnsect is so sturdy and strong that it can carry not only the necessary electronics but also the battery. The robot can follow rudimentary logic. For instance, if it is equipped with an optical optic, the DEAnsect can move along a black line without straying onto the white areas.

The robot can also survive a little bit of extreme abuse, like the pounding of a fly swatter. After being scraped off, it will operate as nothing has happened.

The practical applications of this robot are still limited but it is proof of how far robotics has gone.