The hopping mechanism of earthen fleas will help robots move more efficiently

Flea beetles are herbivores that belong to a hyperdiversified group of approximately 9,900 species and

found in a variety of environments around the world:from lowland tropical forests to high mountain grasslands and deserts. Most live, feed and reproduce on the upper surface of the leaves of their host plants, making them especially vulnerable to predators including birds, ants and spiders. One of their defense mechanisms is their incredible jumping skills, which allow the beetles to escape from an approaching predator in an instant.

Despite the fact that the mechanism by which fleasas if they are catapulting themselves, overcoming distances that are significant for their size, was discovered back in 1929, it has not yet been well studied.

The researchers used micro-computed tomography and high-speed imaging to capture images of the fleas' movements, and then created a 3D model of the insect during a jump from the resulting images.

This made it possible to establish the exact mechanics of the jump anddetermine the role of the structure in the legs of the insect, which scientists call the "elastic plate". The system responsible for jumping is located in the hind legs of the beetle and is relatively simple. It contains only three sclerotized parts and several muscles that allow it to achieve acceleration when jumping in 8,650 square meters. m / s, which is 865 times greater than the acceleration of gravity.

Ejection Jumping Ejection Mechanismthe flea is so effective and simple that it can find application in robotics, as well as in engineering and industrial installations, the researchers note. In their work, they propose the design of a bionic limb inspired by beetles.

Earlier scientistscreateda robot capable of stitching vessels up to 0.3 mm in diameter. The first tests of a device for supermicrosurgery in humans were successful.