A Flea Beetle-Inspired Combustion-Powered Jumping Robot

Bio-inspired jumping robots have emerged as a promising solution for traversing complex terrains inaccessible to conventional locomotion systems. Drawing upon the exceptional jumping kinematics observed in insects, researchers have developed multiple robotic prototypes mimicking biological propulsion mechanisms. However, the principal technological barrier resides in actuator systems, where current energy storage technologies suffer from inadequate energy density, fundamentally limiting takeoff velocity and jumping height. To overcome these limitations, we present a novel combustion-explosive propulsion system exhibiting high mass-specific energy release and rapid acceleration characteristics. By integrating this propulsion mechanism with a unique jumping leg structure, experimental validation through prototype testing demonstrated vertical leaps reaching 20 cm (1.67 times body length) under laboratory conditions, accompanied by comprehensive thermodynamic modeling using ABAQUS simulations that validated the effectiveness of this actuation system. The integrated design approach combines bionic structural design with combustible fuel formulations to offer new possibilities for the development of highly flexible robotic systems capable of negotiating obstacles in disaster response scenarios.