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Ants and mini robots

Ants and mini robots

Snap! An ant’s springy jaws are being copied by scientists to help move mini robots

30 Animals That Made Us Smarter · BBC World Service

October 24, 202117m 53s

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Show Notes

S2 Ep18. Snap! The trap-jaw ant’s amazing jaws can move faster than a speeding bullet, snapping shut at a top speed of 230km per hour. When the ant bites down, the force is so great that it launches the insect high into the air. Their powerful spring mechanism is being copied by scientists and may help move a new type of mini robot, which one day could be deployed in situations too dangerous for humans to enter – like fires or earthquake zones. Thanks for listening. Let us know what you think. #30Animals Get in touch: www.bbcworldservice.com/30animals