SMRTR Science & EngineeringOct 5, 2025Science Daily

These little robots literally walk on water

SMRTR summary

University of Virginia researchers developed HydroSpread, a breakthrough method that creates tiny water-walking robots by fabricating flexible films directly on water surfaces instead of rigid surfaces that often tear during transfer. The team built insect-inspired prototypes that paddle and walk across water using heat-controlled movements, opening possibilities for autonomous robots that could monitor pollution, collect water samples, or explore dangerous flooded areas.

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