# Mechanical Insects The University of Bielefeld's Hector is a Mechanical Crawler By manzil | Published 2011-04-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hector References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/insect-inspired-hector-walking-robot/18421/) & [plasticpals](http://www.plasticpals.com/?p=27400) The [University of Bielefeld](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airground-amphibious-quadruped-robots) and the Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research, Dresden, have collaboratively designed and developed a spider-like, sleek robot called Hector or Hexapod Cognitive autonomously Operating Robot. The control mechanism of Hector is based on the intelligence principle of insect brains. The mechanical insect contains a very light exoskeleton similar to an insect, which is made of carbon-fiber reinforced plastic shells. In order to make Hector more functional, the researchers have installed [biologically inspired elastic joint drives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tron-2), enabling the robot to execute essential tasks with ease. The advanced and futuristic robot Hector is a part of the [EU's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/foodcompli) special project, Embodied Motion Intelligence for Cognitive, Autonomous Robots, which is designed to be used in research and study the advanced autonomous walking in some selected labs in Europe. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 30% | Activity: 58% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 90% men, 10% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Mechanical Insects:** Opportunity for developing intelligent robots with exoskeletons and elastic joint drives inspired by insect biology. - **Cognitive Autonomy:** Disruptive innovation opportunity to create robots with insect-like intelligence for autonomous operation. - **Embodied Motion Intelligence:** Potential for advancing research in autonomous walking by developing robots based on embodied motion intelligence. ### Where This Applies - **Robotics:** Robots with insect-inspired designs and cognitive autonomy can revolutionize industries such as manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare. - **Materials Science:** Developing lightweight and durable materials, like carbon-fiber reinforced plastic shells, can benefit industries like aerospace, automotive, and consumer electronics. - **Research and Development:** Investing in the development of advanced robotic technologies can drive innovation in various sectors such as academia, defense, and entertainment. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Multidirectional Miniature Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/multidirectional-miniature-robots.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Bug-Like Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/micro-insect-robot.md) - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Robotic Four-Legged Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-fourlegged-dog.md) - [Educational Hexapod Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiwonder-jethexa-hexapod.md) - [Air-Ground Amphibious Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airground-amphibious-quadruped-robots.md) - [Produce-Harvesting Six-Armed Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hexapod-pro.md) - [Pest-Slaying Agricultural Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pestslaying-agricultural-robot.md)