Robot Walks on Water

Scientists at the Carnegie Mellon Institute have developed a robot that can run on water. Its design is based on the basilisk, a reptile that sprints across open expanses of water, as can be seen in the above photo. The little robot uses the same technique as the basilisk: the foot slaps the water creating an air pocket and is quickly raised before the air pocket can burst. In this way, the robot and the basilisk slap the water with their feet 10 times per second, running on cushions of air.

Unfortunately, the robot can't run very far because of the tether attached to its power source.

The next post about robots will probably relate to the giant robots roaming the British countryside and lending aid to stranded motorists.

(Photos: Courtesy Metin Sitti)