A small robot hops on land and paddles through water

Researchers have built a palm-sized robot that moves by bending and twisting elastic rods until they snap into a new shape. Live Science reports tests on wood, glass, leather, sand and grass, following a study published in Science Advances.

The prototype weighs about 3.4 ounces. Paddle attachments let it swim; activating one rod lets it turn. A human used remote control to steer it around an obstacle course.

This demonstrates a compact movement mechanism, not an autonomous outdoor robot. Future miniaturisation and practical field uses remain research directions.