Frilly bug feet inspire a water-striding robot

Ripple bugs spurred development of a robot with automatically unfurling fans on its feet

A closeup of a ripple bug on top of the water shows fan structures on its feet below the surface.

A water strider known as a ripple bug has frilly fans on its feet that help it dart and turn atop turbulent rivers.

Víctor Ortega Jiménez

If you want to walk on water, it helps to have fancy feet.