Worma robot uses water shifting to navigate diverse terrains

Researchers at the NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a robot named ‘Worma’ designed to navigate diverse terrains without changing its physical gait or shape. Unlike traditional robots that must reconfigure their limbs or structure to adapt to different surfaces, Worma utilizes a consistent caterpillar-like movement.

The robot manages traction and obstacle navigation by shifting 300 grams of water between two latex balloons using a pump. By moving the water to its head, the robot increases downward force and traction on inclines. To climb steps, it shifts water to its rear to lighten its head, allowing it to lift and place itself on the obstacle. This mechanism allows the robot to transition between dry land, obstacles, and water during a single mission, making it potentially useful for infrastructure inspection and environmental monitoring.