Engineers at the Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an innovative soft robot that can jump to a height of more than 3 meters. The device is inspired by the movement of tiny parasitic worms - nematodes.

The team of scientists made observations of the nematodes using high-speed cameras and noticed that these worms bend to jump both forward and backward. The efficiency of their movements prompted the researchers to replicate this mechanism in the new robot.

The robot itself is a silicone rod about 13 centimeters long with a carbon skeleton inside. It has no legs or wheels. Using the movements of nematodes, it is able to jump up to 3 meters high. This is achieved by storing energy in the curves of the structure, which is then quickly released for a powerful jump.

To jump backwards, the nematode raises its head and strongly compresses the middle of its body, creating a 'kink' similar to a human squat. This posture stores elastic energy that, when released, launches the worm upward and backward. To jump forward, the worm extends its head and bends in another part of its body, creating a catapult effect. The researchers noted that the bends, which are usually considered a problem in engineering, in this case are used to store energy.

According to the authors of the project, the new robot can be adapted for various tasks. For example, for emergency response or exploration of other planets