journal article·2026-02Open access

High‐Speed, Maneuverable, and Terrain‐Adaptive Micro‐Robot with Tree Frog‐Inspired Bionic Feet

Weizhi Zhao, Shijia Li, Kaiwen Zhang, Wanyu Zhang, Danyang Liu, Weidong Fang, Yanxin Zhai, Kaibo Lei, Liwen Zhang, Huawei Chen, Tiantong Xu

Advanced Science· Volume 13· Issue 7

Abstract

Abstract Micro‐robots hold promise for complex tasks such as fault diagnosis and emergency response, where conventional detection methods are limited by size and maneuverability constraints. However, their adaptability in complex environments remains insufficient owing to reduced propulsion efficiency. This study proposes a 7.5 mm micro‐robot actuated by an electromagnetic linear motor and integrated with tree frog‐inspired bionic feet (MRBF) to enhance traction and locomotion performance. The bionic feet are fabricated via angled photolithography to realize the microstructured design. The integration of bionic feet enables the MRBF to reach a maximum velocity of 39 body lengths per second (BL s −1 ) on dry surfaces and 28.5 BL s −1 on wet surfaces, representing improvements of 75% and 40%, respectively, compared to the non‐bionic version. The MRBF can also climb inclines of up to 21.8°, nearly doubling its original climbing limit of 11°, demonstrating a considerably enhanced slope‐climbing capability. A dual‐MRBF system is specifically designed to achieve rapid and controllable turning, attaining angular velocities of ≈311° s −1 . When equipped with a micro‐camera, MRBFs are successfully deployed for in situ blade inspection within the confined intake duct of a micro‐aero‐engine. This strategy provides a scalable framework for adaptive, high‐performance systems in aerospace inspection, soft robotics, and autonomous sensing.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline

Research context

OpenAlex topics: Soft Robotics and Applications · Micro and Nano Robotics · Robotic Locomotion and Control

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

Research Institute of Aero Engine Beihang University Beijing 100191 China

Research Institute of National Excellence for Engineers Beihang University Beijing 100191 China

School of Energy and Power Engineering Beihang University Beijing 100191 China

School of Mechanical Engineering & Automation Beihang University Beijing 100191 China

Taihang Laboratory Chengdu 610299 China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality · Postdoctoral Research Foundation of China

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