Researchers at UCLA and the University of Michigan built a small frog-like robot that moves using elastic rods instead of rigid legs.
Bending and twisting a rod stores energy. When it snaps into a new shape, the released energy can push the robot forward, so a small motor can trigger strong movement.
The 11-centimeter prototype hopped over several surfaces, climbed steps and, with flexible fins, swam around obstacles.
This is a lab demonstration, not a robot ready for everyday use. The team says the design may help small robots travel over uneven ground while using less power.
