On May 22nd, according to CCTV News, inspired by cockroaches, a research team from Beihang University has successfully developed a micro-sized biomimetic robot named "Insect" after 15 years of in-depth research.
It is understood that this robot is small and delicate, with a size only as big as a coin. Without a battery, its weight and similar volume are comparable to insects, approximately 200 milligrams.
Although very small and lightweight, this robot is surprisingly powerful, capable of fast straight-line movement and turning using only its front legs.
Lab data currently shows that this robot can run at 37 centimeters per second when carrying a load, and up to 45 centimeters per second when empty, comparable to the speed of a cockroach. Additionally, it only needs a 2-minute charge to crawl for 10 minutes.
What's even more astonishing is that this insect robot can utilize electromagnetic vibration to fly in the air or walk on the ground, giving it exceptional maneuverability and adaptability.
The successful development of this robot opens up new possibilities for applications such as post-disaster search and rescue, inspection of large mechanical equipment, and damage assessment of infrastructure.
At disaster sites, this compact and highly maneuverable robot can access areas that are difficult for humans to reach for search and rescue operations, significantly improving rescue efficiency. Its small size also allows it to conduct inspections inside narrow or complex mechanical equipment, potentially bringing innovative developments to the industrial inspection field.
