MIT scientists have discovered how insects like water striders walk on water. Rather than create tiny waves and surf them as previously suspected, the insects use one set of their hairy legs to create vortices in the water that propel the bugs along. In a bit of brilliant biomimicry, graduate student Brian Chan applied the research to build Robotstrider, a mechanical insect light enough to be supported by surface tension as it skims across the water.
Link Discuss