Water-walking Ninjas

Function

Gerridae, or water striders, have the unique ability to stand and walk on the surface of water. Their feet are densely covered in uneven hairs, which make them water-repellent and keep them from breaking the surface tension of water. This surface tension can support 15 times the body weight of the insect with just one leg touching. Gerridae propel themselves forward by using their middle legs to kick the water’s surface, and doing so they can move at speeds of up to one meter per second.

Functional Classification

Defense/Stability:
Water repellent

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Nature. 2004; 432:36.

Technical Application

Researchers have spent some time studying the movements of the gerridae by analyzing video of the insects. They have successfully built a prototype of an ultralight robot (about 1g) that can move on the surface of water. The material cost of the prototype is quite cheap at about 1,000 yen (approximately $12.50).

Products and Services

  • Robots capable of walking on water.

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

By mimicking the movements of the gerridae, it could be possible to build robots that are able to freely roam about on the surface of water. Chemical sensors could be installed in these robots to check for the presence of toxic substance in potential sources of drinking water. If equipped with cameras, these robots may be useful for reconnaissance, surveillance, and exploration.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style