Self-propelled shape-changing robots mimic aquatic insects for untethered swimming

Building robots that can effortlessly mimic the movements of insects on water has been a persistent challenge in robotics. The ability to move autonomously and efficiently in environments like water surfaces – without needing external control or bulky power sources – holds immense potential in fields such as medicine and environmental monitoring. These environments demand more than just mobility; they require precise control, adaptability, and efficiency. But designing small-scale robots capable of navigating these spaces has proven difficult.