Bio-Inspired Jumping Robot Achieves Precise Landings on Narrow Branches

Inspired by the biomechanics of squirrel jumping and landing, researchers at the University of California, Berkeley have developed an agile jumping robot capable of accurately landing on narrow branches. The study, published in Science Robotics, represents a significant advancement in the design of highly mobile robotic systems.

Squirrels are renowned for their exceptional agility and ability to escape predators by parkouring through dense tree canopies and landing with remarkable precision. By analyzing the biomechanics behind these landings, the research team developed a single-legged robot named Salto. Initially introduced in 2016, Salto was capable of jumping, performing parkour-style movements, and landing on flat ground—but precisely targeting specific landing points remained a major challenge.

The researchers observed that squirrels transfer force through their shoulder joints during landing, using padded feet to grip branches and twisting their bodies to counteract excess torque. Drawing from these strategies, Salto was redesigned with adjustable leg force and a reaction wheel system to control torque, allowing it to perform multiple jumps onto narrow branches while maintaining balance. Although Salto lacks the gripping ability of a squirrel's feet, the enhancements now enable it to land with high accuracy on narrow surfaces.

This research not only enhances robotic agility but also offers new approaches for designing robots capable of navigating complex environments. The team plans to further explore advanced gripping mechanisms to expand the robot's landing capabilities.