NMbL develops robot locomotion through research in both novel mechanical designs and new controls. These are a few of our current main research areas.
Jumping
Jumping allows small robots to cover large distances to clear obstacles or move quickly. We are investigating the performance and capabilities of new jumping robot hardware designs and control strategies.
Shown here: one of the lab’s jumping robots, Salto-1P, a high-performance monopedal jumping robot inspired by Galago senegalensis that can balance, hop, and follow automated or human inputs.
Multimodal locomotion
Combinations of motion (jumping + rolling, hopping + climbing) can make robots more flexible locomotors, able to tackle many conditions. We are engineering robots that combine multiple capabilities synergistically.
Shown here: Pinto, a small jumping, bounding, and perching robot named after the beloved campus squirrel, Pinto Bean. See the Pintobotics blog and Youtube for more details.
Shown here: LEAP, short for “Legged Exploration Across the Plume” combines jumping and rolling, re-using angled wheels for both rolling on the ground and orientation control in flight. LEAP explores the feasibility of making very high jumps on small bodies in the solar system like Enceladus. Read more here.
Walking
New robot coming soon!
Walking is a familiar method of getting around, but novel robot designs can explore less familiar methods of walking. We are developing new walking robots with unconventional actuation strategies and new high performance.
Shown here: Pendu (left) and Basilisk (middle), two small walking robots designed to be mechanically simple. Pictures will be coming soon for other walking robot projects!
Last updated Spring 2026