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This robot automatically tucks its limbs to squeeze through spaces

Researchers want to use these bots to learn more about locomotion in nature

A photo of a new type of robot that has a black box for a body and four legs that are helping it move down the hall.

Researchers created a new type of robot (shown) that can shorten its legs to traverse narrow paths.

E. Lathrop, M.T. Tolley and N. Gravish/Advanced Intelligent Systems 2023

By Ananya

Inspired by how ants move through narrow spaces by shortening their legs, scientists have built a robot that draws in its limbs to navigate constricted passages.

The robot was able to hunch down and walk quickly through passages that were narrower and shorter than itself, researchers report January 20 in Advanced Intelligent Systems.