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Art may imitate life, but science imitates bugs. At least it did to create the Robostrider -- a tiny robot that glides along in the water, held up by surface tension.

The scientists who created Robostrider got the idea from an obvious source: the common water strider, an aquatic insect famed for its ability to walk on water. But, as is often the case, imitating nature proved tricky. The challenge was to create a machine sophisticated enough to propel itself but light enough to be held up by surface tension on water.

After several models, the team created a winner. Robostrider 3, pictured here, has an aluminum body and spindly stainless steel legs. Comparable to the real deal, Robostrider 3 can travel 20 cm in five strides.

Image courtesy the Fluid Dynamics Lab, MIT


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			Robobug walks on water! Art may imitate life, but science imitates bugs. At least it did to create the Robostrider -- a tiny robot that glides along in the water, held up by surface tension. The scientists who created Robostrider got the idea from an obvious source: the common water strider, an aquatic insect famed for its ability to walk on water. But, as is often the case, imitating nature proved tricky. The challenge was to create a machine sophisticated enough to propel itself but light enough to be held up by surface tension on water. After several models, the team created a winner. Robostrider 3, pictured here, has an aluminum body and spindly stainless steel legs. Comparable to the real deal, Robostrider 3 can travel 20 cm in five strides. Image courtesy the Fluid Dynamics Lab, MIT