Amazing Animal-Inspired Robots

The human body is an extraordinary system. Athletes in Ironman races, dancers leaping across stages, and Olympic swimmers chasing medals all demonstrate that with training, humans can achieve remarkable levels of strength, stamina, and coordination.

Even so, no matter how much we train, there are very few abilities we possess that animals—shaped by millions of years of evolution—cannot perform more efficiently, naturally, or impressively. This is why research institutions and companies such as Festo, which has been advancing bionic technologies since the 1990s, and Boston Dynamics, known for robots like Atlas and Spot, often draw inspiration from animals.

Bionic robots have wide-ranging uses and significance. They help researchers better understand real animals, fostering greater appreciation and awareness of wildlife and ecosystems. Multi-legged robots, for example, can outperform humans and even humanoid machines in certain tasks. As an example, even advanced robots like MABEL struggle to move quickly over uneven terrain.

In the case of Festo’s AirJelly, robotic designs inspired by non-land animals can also help scientists investigate physical principles. According to the company, AirJelly was developed to explore a key question:

“Could the movement of a jellyfish in water inspire propulsion in the air? In other words, is it possible for an object to glide through the air the way a jellyfish moves through water?”

Unique biological traits—such as the gripping suction cups of an octopus or the flexible trunk of an elephant—can also be adapted for practical uses, ranging from manufacturing processes to medical procedures. Over time, animal-inspired robots have evolved from crude early models into sophisticated and visually striking creations. Below are 11 impressive examples of such bionic machines:

MIRO (Marine Intelligence Robot) is a robotic fish developed by South Korea’s AIRO Inc. With two motors and four distance sensors, it can swim in multiple directions, avoid obstacles, and dive as deep as 50 meters. Its colorful appearance and public demonstrations, including swimming alongside sharks, have made it a popular attraction.

Robugtix T8X is a high-tech robotic spider designed for entertainment. It is rechargeable, programmable, and wirelessly controlled, with 26 independent motors powering its legs. Available in smooth or furry versions, it may not climb walls like a real spider but can perform lively movements.

Bionic Bird, funded through Indiegogo, replicates natural bird flight within a 100-meter range so convincingly that even real birds are fooled. Its lightweight foam body and realistic design allow it to fly at about 12 mph, with wings flapping 18 times per second. It is powered by a compact, egg-shaped charger.

Pleurobot, developed by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, mimics a salamander’s flexible spine, enabling it to navigate rough terrain. Its waterproof construction allows it to function both on land and underwater. Equipped with advanced neural control and movable joints, it is well suited for search and rescue missions.

Airacuda features patented fluid-driven “muscles” and a flexible, hose-like body made from aramid fibers similar to Kevlar. It also includes a swim bladder, an organ found in fish like cod, allowing it to move smoothly through water.

Scorpion Hexapod, created by Belgian students, has a 3D-printed structure mounted on a plastic base. It can move in multiple directions and uses infrared sensors to detect obstacles. Its tail, complete with a pen-tip stinger, mimics the real insect’s appearance.

Aquajelly closely resembles a real jellyfish, with glowing LED lights and eight tentacles. Inside, it contains a battery, sensors, motors, and navigation systems that allow it to respond to environmental changes.

Eelume, developed in Norway, is designed for underwater maintenance work. It can perform tasks such as lighting dark areas, cleaning surfaces, and adjusting equipment, offering a cost-effective solution for subsea operations.

Spot Mini, a smaller version of Boston Dynamics’ robotic dog, weighs about 55 pounds and features a long, flexible neck. Its design allows the head to remain stable while the body moves. It can perform delicate tasks, like picking up objects without breaking them, using cameras and sensors for navigation.

Bionicopter is a dragonfly-inspired flying robot with a wingspan of 27 inches. Its wings move in a lifelike manner, allowing it to fly forward, backward, hover, and stop midair. Built with a carbon fiber frame and covered in lightweight material, it combines performance with visual appeal.

Octobot is the first fully autonomous soft robot. Made from silicone, it mimics the soft body of an octopus. Inside, chemical reactions generate gas to power its tentacles, allowing it to move without rigid components.

Together, these creations highlight how studying animals can lead to innovative technologies that blend science, engineering, and creativity.