An inflatable robot capable of walking on water has been created – video

Most robots, even humanoid ones, are usually quite clumsy and unplastic. In an effort to create something versatile, the creators of a new humanoid robot abandoned the rigid frame and turned to growing bones for inspiration.

Their development, described in the magazine Science Advancesuses connected inflatable modules that can expand four times in size. The GrowHR robot can reach a height of 1.36 meters and can also shrink to fit into a narrow opening (or fit into a box). In addition to walking, he can do the splits to crawl across the floor like a caterpillar and develop enough strength to kick a soccer ball.

GrowHR weighs only 4.5 kilograms – it is so light that it can be carried through the air by a drone. Thanks to its buoyancy, the robot can provide assistance to a drowning person, and with fins installed, it can even “walk” through the water at a speed of 16 millimeters per second.

This lightweight inflatable design also means that the GrowHR can safely interact with people, including children, and makes it pleasant to the touch. And most importantly, he does all this with a smile.