Zippy: The world’s smallest, fastest, power-autonomous biped robot. Credit: Carnegie Mellon University
A New Milestone in Micro-Robotics
What if the fastest bipedal robot wasn’t a towering machine, but one that fits in the palm of your hand? At just 1.5 inches tall, Zippy is setting records in miniature mobility, showcasing what’s possible with precision engineering and smart design.
Built at Carnegie Mellon University
Developed by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, Zippy is the world’s smallest self-powered walking robot. It can walk, turn, climb tiny steps, and even skip—without any external control or tethers.
How Zippy Achieves Its Record-Breaking Speed
Powered by a single DC motor and featuring curved feet, Zippy sprints at 25 cm/s—roughly 10 times its leg length per second. In human terms, that’s like running at nearly 30 km/h!
The Physics Behind the Motion
Zippy relies on passive-dynamic walking: its body tilts, shifts weight, and lets momentum drive its forward step. This efficient, minimalist motion requires no sensors or advanced control systems.
Key Features That Make It Work
- Curved foot design for natural stepping
- Single actuator for reduced weight and complexity
- Compact Seeed Studio XIAO nRF52840 microcontroller
- Self-contained battery operation
Why Tiny Robots Like Zippy Matter
Micro-robots like Zippy could revolutionize tasks in areas too dangerous or inaccessible for larger machines. From search-and-rescue missions in collapsed buildings to pipeline inspections and scientific exploration, Zippy opens doors to new possibilities.
Designed for Real-World Impact
Zippy’s ability to navigate tight, cluttered environments makes it ideal for:
- Search-and-rescue operations
- Industrial inspections
- Scientific data collection in confined areas
The Future of Zippy and Beyond
Future upgrades may include cameras and advanced sensors for autonomous navigation. Researchers envision fleets of Zippies working together, performing complex missions in unstructured environments.
Engineering Simplicity With Big Results
Zippy isn’t just a novelty—it’s a leap forward in efficient robotic locomotion. Its design proves that high-speed movement doesn’t need complex control systems or bulky parts.
Record Highlights
- Smallest self-powered bipedal robot
- Fastest leg-length-per-second walking speed
- Self-contained and wirelessly operable
What Could Zippy Explore Next?
Could a swarm of Zippies one day explore disaster zones, inspect space stations, or crawl through pipes to prevent disasters? The next chapter of miniature robotics is just beginning—where do you think it should go?
Reference: “Zippy: The smallest power-autonomous bipedal robot” by Steven Man, Soma Narita, Josef Macera, Naomi Oke, Aaron M. Johnson and Sarah Bergbreiter, 8 May 2025, arXiv.
DOI: 10.48550/arXiv.2505.05686
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