SPIDER TO THE FLY

One is trained to jump on command in a study to help robot movement

THIS one small leap for a spider could be a giant step for mankind…

Scientists have trained the arachnid to jump on command to study her acrobatic ability, which they hope can help them develop versatile robots.

The regal jumping spider, called Kim, learned to leap different heights and distances on a laboratory platform.

Researchers used high-speed cameras to record her movements. They took CT scans of the creature to create a 3D virtual model of her legs and body.

Lead scientist Dr Mostafa Nabawy, of Manchester University, said: “This is amazing and if we can understand these biomechanics we can apply them to other areas of research.”

It is hoped the study could help engineers design agile mini-robots that are currently beyond human technology. Kim used different jumping strategies depending on the challenge she was given.

For short leaps she favoured a faster, lower trajectory which used more energy but cut down on flight time. This made the jump more accurate and effective for capturing prey.

Longer distance jumps of the sort used to cross rough terrain were slower and more energy efficient.

Jumping spiders can leap up to six times their body length from a standing start. The best a human can achieve is about 1.5 body lengths. Insects and spiders jump in different ways, using spring-like mechanisms, muscle forces or internal fluid pressure.

Spiders are known to use hydraulic fluid pressure to extend their legs, but it was unknown what role that plays in jumping. Study co-author Dr Bill Crowther said: “Our results suggest that while Kim can move her legs hydraulically, she does not need the additional power from hydraulics to achieve her jumps.”

The study was published in Nature Scientific Reports.

HIGH POINT Creature is photographed mid-flight