Motion Control

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Inspired by the Flic-Flac Spider, 'BionicWheelBot' Walks and Rolls

The Sahara's flic-flac spider can walk like other spiders but can also propel itself into the air with a combined sequence of somersaulting and rolling on the ground. Inspired by the spider, the 'BionicWheelBot' from German automation company Festo  can both walk and roll. To start rolling, the bot bends three legs each on the left and right of its body to make a wheel. Two legs that are folded up while walking then extend, push the rolled-up spider off the ground, and continuously push it forward while rolling.