DirectHop: 1-gram hopping robot inspired by fleas

Engineers at the University of Washington built DirectHop, a 1-gram hopping robot inspired by fleas. By varying motor current, it precisely controls jump height and distance, and it rights itself in about 90% of lab tests. Researchers estimate each robot could eventually cost around $10.

• Weighs just 1 gram and fits in the palm of a hand
• Jumps higher than a standard stair, with height set by motor current
• Protective cage uses 0.25-mm carbon fiber rods inspired by box turtles
• Prototype is tethered and sensorless; goal is an autonomous $10 robot