Mobility of small robots is a key factor in their missions and tasks definition. Conventional small mobile robots are usually wheeled or tracked. These locomotion solutions suffer from limited ability to maneuver in rough terrain or overcoming relatively large obstacles. Jumping is one of nature`s solutions to these difficulties. Among impressive nature`s jumpers, we take inspiration from the Desert-Locust. In this study, we design an autonomous jumping mechanism for small mobile robots, inspired by the Desert-Locust. The jumping mechanism consist a pair of legs, each with two segments joined by torsion springs. The mechanism is driven by a small geared electrical motor combining a Lipo battery and a microcontroller. The jumping sequence consists two phases. In the first phase the motor rotates to one direction causing the springs to bend and store energy for the jump. In the second phase, the motor changes the direction of rotation, which in turn, causes a very brief energy release, accomplished by small release mechanism, for executing a leap. Several successful prototypes were constructed and tested. Latest optimized prototype weighs 18 (gr) and jumps to a height of about 3.5 (m) covering a distance of approximately 3 (m). This study is a milestone toward repeated jumps, and additional abilities such as self-righting and steering. The final goal of our study is making an autonomous small robot capable of mobility in rough terrain using maneuvering and repeated jumps.
