# Jumping Spider Robots This Robotic Spider Jumps Much Like Real Jumping Spiders By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-10-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jumping-spiders References: [engadget](http://www.engadget.com/2015/10/07/jumping-robot-uses-safety-tethers-to-control-its-fall/) & [spectrum.ieee.org](http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/robotics-hardware/jumping-spider-robot-uses-tether-for-controlled-jumps?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:%20IeeeSpectrum%20IEEE%20Spectrum) A group of scientists at researchers at the [University of Cape Town](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airground-amphibious-quadruped-robots) in South Africa have created an incredible [jumping robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lynx-m20-pro) that is inspired by the unique movements of jumping spiders. Many species of jumping spider affix themselves securely to their perch using a silken thread that acts like a backup tether. This mechanism has now been applied to the robotic spider. The robot itself is named the Line-Equipped Autonomous Platform or LEAP, and is largely made out of [LEGO Technics pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mini-robots) -- with a simple spool of nylon acting as the safety tether. As the robot falls, it adjusts the tension of its tether using a motor, and can add or reduce drag on its line to change its flight path. In the future, this jumping spider-inspired robot could leap from a perch and land on its feet, something that would enable it to be used in a wide variety of industrial and military settings. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 26% | Activity: 63% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What Makes This Trend Stand Out - **Jumping Spider-inspired Robotics:** Applying the unique movements of jumping spiders to robotic design opens up possibilities for versatile and agile robots. - **LEGO Technics Robotics:** Using versatile and easily accessible materials like LEGO Technics can revolutionize the field of robotics. - **Safety Tether Robotics:** The use of a safety tether mechanism opens up opportunities for more controlled and agile robotic movements. ### Sectors Adopting This - **Industrial Robotics:** Jumping spider robots could potentially be used in industrial settings for versatile and precise movements. - **Military Robotics:** Agile and versatile robots could have applications in the military for scouting and exploratory purposes. - **Toy Robotics:** Robotic toys that utilize LEGO Technics and jumping spider-inspired movements could be a new and exciting trend in the toy industry. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Air-Ground Amphibious Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airground-amphibious-quadruped-robots.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Agile Wall-Climbing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/magnecko-robot.md) - [Hybrid Movement Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/leo-robot.md) - [Rugged Quadruped Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rugged-quadruped-robots.md) - [Balance Beam-Walking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadruped-robots.md) - [Hopping All-Terrain Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ascento-pro.md) - [Miniature Flying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tiny-robot.md) - [Independently-Running Robotic Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-dogs.md)