A rat-like robot with multimodal motion control can operate in narrow spaces. Photo by Qing Shi from Beijing Institute of Technology, China

Biological systems have been inspiring engineers to develop innovative robots. This multidisciplinary approach involves designing and building robots based on natural systems such as birds, animals, insects, and plants. There are many examples of these bio-inspired robots with applications ranging from inspections and rescue operations to surgery and space exploration.

Test your knowledge about bio-inspired robots in this quiz.