What do Mexican jumping beans and robots have in common? Not much at this point in time, but one should not rule out the possibility of Mexican jumping beans acting as a design influence in future robots. A new study by researchers concern the seemingly random motion of Mexican jumping beans that has been broken down into an algorithm, and this calculated behavior could eventually be used to program rolling robots in order for them to get up and about in a controlled direction. This is yet another clear cut case of nature providing the kind of inspiration for mankind to take a leap of faith in the world of science. After all, how else did the Wright brothers gain their inspiration to fly through the skies? From their dreams? Hopefully further research into how Mexican jumping beans (which are not really vegetables, but moth larva in real life) function and are able to influence the future of robot design – especially where rolling robots are concerned.
Filed in . Read more about Robot.