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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Insect-machine Hybrid System: Remote Radio Control of a Freely Flying Beetle Mercynorrhina torquata

Insect-machine Hybrid System: Remote Radio Control of a Freely Flying Beetle Mercynorrhina torquata

Published on: September 2, 2016

A robotic leg inspired from an insect leg.

P Thanh Tran-Ngoc¹, Leslie Ziqi Lim¹, Jia Hui Gan¹

¹School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.

Bioinspiration & Biomimetics

|June 14, 2022

Summary

Insect legs have complex tarsal structures that enable walking on difficult terrain. This study developed a bio-inspired tarsus for robots, improving their ability to attach and detach from surfaces.

Keywords:

beetle bio-inspired robotics biomechanics legged robots locomotion tarsus

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Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

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Last Updated: Sep 8, 2025

Insect-machine Hybrid System: Remote Radio Control of a Freely Flying Beetle Mercynorrhina torquata

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Published on: September 2, 2016

Insect-controlled Robot: A Mobile Robot Platform to Evaluate the Odor-tracking Capability of an Insect

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Published on: December 19, 2016

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Studying the Neural Basis of Adaptive Locomotor Behavior in Insects

Published on: April 13, 2011

Area of Science:

Robotics
Bio-inspired Engineering
Biomechanics

Background:

Most insect-inspired robots use simple feet, limiting their ability to navigate complex terrain.
Insect tarsi and claws are crucial for secure attachment and detachment on varied surfaces.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the functional role of insect tarsal structures in locomotion.
To develop and validate a bio-inspired tarsus for legged robots.

Main Methods:

Investigated the mechanical properties of a tendon-driven ball-socket tarsus structure.
Developed a cable-driven bio-inspired tarsus for robotic applications.
Tested the robotic leg's performance on a mesh substrate.

Main Results:

A flexible yet rigid tarsus structure is essential for secure claw attachment and detachment.
Disabling tarsus rigidity hindered secure attachment to mesh surfaces.
The developed bio-inspired tarsus enabled smooth attachment and retraction on a mesh substrate.

Conclusions:

The insect tarsus's unique structure is vital for locomotion on complex terrains.
Bio-inspired tarsal mechanisms can significantly enhance the mobility of legged robots.