Science August 2025 PMID 40839722

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots.

Victor M Ortega-Jimenez, Dongjin Kim, Sunny Kumar, Changhwan Kim, Je-Sung Koh, Saad Bhamla

Mentions

79
Peak: 21 in Aug 2025
across 5 sources since Nov 2024

Extended reach

9,139,798
potential audience

Total likes

382

Video views

40,097

Mentions per month

Nov 2024 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • News34 articles
  • X / Twitter30 posts
  • Bluesky7 posts
  • YouTube4 videos
  • Blogs4 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

Discussions demonstrate high interest and engagement through phrases like 'inspired scientists to create' and 'passive maneuvering,' highlighting fascination with the biomimetic design. The tone suggests that many see this as a groundbreaking step in robotic mobility, reflecting strong acknowledgment of its potential impact.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most discussions acknowledge the scientific innovation and applaud the biomimetic approach inspired by ripple bugs.

InterestHigh interest

Discussions reveal high curiosity about the novel fans and their potential applications, indicating strong interest.

EngagementHigh engagement

Participants reference the mechanics of the elastocapillary fans, robot designs, and implications for future technology, showing deep engagement.

ImpactHigh impact

Many posts suggest that this research could revolutionize tiny robotics and aquatic movement control, emphasizing its significant potential.

Abstract in brief

  • Ripple bugs use specialized flat-ribbon fans in their legs to move quickly and efficiently in fast-moving streams.
  • These fans can change shape without muscle input, allowing for quick, sharp turns and impressive speeds similar to that of fruit flies.
  • Researchers created a tiny robot with a similar fan design, proving it enhances movement and control, paving the way for advanced aquatic microrobots.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a new Science study, researchers describe “Rhagobot,” a water-walking robot inspired by this feature. Learn more: https://t.co/Pv0MSx4csj https://t.co/BsbpUy1C4d

Sep 1, 2025 · 88 likes · 15 shares · 4,512,631 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a new Science study, researchers describe “Rhagobot,” a water-walking robot inspired by this feature. Learn more: https://t.co/Pv0MSx4csj https://t.co/wOIwe4sIk1

Aug 28, 2025 · 59 likes · 9 shares · 4,512,631 followers View post →
Katsushi Kagaya @katzkagaya.bsky.social
@katzkagaya · X

> Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://t.co/stvYFHlDhu

Aug 25, 2025 · 1 like · 3,669 followers View post →
aratama factory
@aratama0315 · X

https://t.co/jwvh0YVnRy

Sep 2, 2025 · 1 like · 2,320 followers View post →
Francis Villatoro
@emulenews.bsky.social · Bluesky

#ScienceMag Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... flat-ribbon fan balances collapsibility during leg recovery with rigidity during drag-based propulsion, enabling full-body 96° turns in 50 milliseconds.

Aug 28, 2025 · 1 like View post →
Francis Villatoro
@emulenews · X

#ScienceMag Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://t.co/Bze5JCqURg flat-ribbon fan balances collapsibility during leg recovery with rigidity during drag-based propulsion, enabling full-body 96° turns in 50 milliseconds. https://t.co/ZasuKfQ2Hi

Aug 28, 2025 · 45,112 followers View post →

All mentions

grabstract
@grabstractio · X

#grabstract of the day Turns out those ripple bugs have tiny fans in their legs that automatically deploy and propel them to glide over the water. This inspired scientists to create lightning-fast robots. https://t.co/1DBjfMIInc https://t.co/OmOITTOLt2

Nov 1, 2025 · 68 followers View post →
Xenemy
@Pubble_Gun · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 50 followers View post →
tango
@tango2067518 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 9 shares · 2 followers View post →
Amy Li
@AmyAmya1551 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 62 followers View post →
Sourav Mallik
@sou22362 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 168 followers View post →
aratama factory
@aratama0315 · X

https://t.co/jwvh0YVnRy

Sep 2, 2025 · 1 like · 2,320 followers View post →
Zivadin Ivanovic
@IvanovicZi41028 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 86 followers View post →
TAATJENE Food Industries
@taatjene1123 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 311 followers View post →
28futurafrewe
@28futurafrewe · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 146 followers View post →
David J. Castillo-Cornejo PhD.
@davesnetvault · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 813 followers View post →
Antonio-Campos et al ;)
@aac_phd · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 2, 2025 · 15 shares · 633 followers View post →
Sam Fablet
@SamFablet · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 1, 2025 · 15 shares · 53 followers View post →
FATEH FILALI
@fat24416 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 1, 2025 · 15 shares · 19 followers View post →
danw58
@danw58 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 1, 2025 · 15 shares · 702 followers View post →
domnogin
@domnogin · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Sep 1, 2025 · 15 shares · 1,743 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a new Science study, researchers describe “Rhagobot,” a water-walking robot inspired by this feature. Learn more: https://t.co/Pv0MSx4csj https://t.co/BsbpUy1C4d

Sep 1, 2025 · 88 likes · 15 shares · 4,512,631 followers View post →
Francis Villatoro
@emulenews · X

#ScienceMag Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://t.co/Bze5JCqURg flat-ribbon fan balances collapsibility during leg recovery with rigidity during drag-based propulsion, enabling full-body 96° turns in 50 milliseconds. https://t.co/ZasuKfQ2Hi

Aug 28, 2025 · 45,112 followers View post →
Francis Villatoro
@emulenews.bsky.social · Bluesky

#ScienceMag Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots www.science.org/doi/10.1126/... flat-ribbon fan balances collapsibility during leg recovery with rigidity during drag-based propulsion, enabling full-body 96° turns in 50 milliseconds.

Aug 28, 2025 · 1 like View post →
Francisco R. Villatoro
@emulenews.mathstodon.xyz.ap.brid.gy · Bluesky

#ScienceMag Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.adv2792 flat-ribbon fan balances collapsibility during leg recovery with rigidity during drag-based propulsion, enabling full-body 96° turns in 50 milliseconds.

Aug 28, 2025 View post →
EndgameAngelB
@EndgameAngelB · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 2 followers View post →
head-in-the-clouds.bsky.social
@leysbiotutor · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 1,588 followers View post →
Brushworm
@Brushworm · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 7 shares · 368 followers View post →
Kevin Wolbach
@WolbachK · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 224 followers View post →
buffalogal1214
@buffalogal1214 · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 1,264 followers View post →
syawal™ シ
@syawal · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 3,192 followers View post →
fernando ferreira
@onfaitavec · X

RT @ScienceMagazine: Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a ne…

Aug 28, 2025 · 9 shares · 3,886 followers View post →
Science Magazine
@ScienceMagazine · X

Ripple bugs use a special fan-like structure on their middle legs to speed and steer through turbulent waters. In a new Science study, researchers describe “Rhagobot,” a water-walking robot inspired by this feature. Learn more: https://t.co/Pv0MSx4csj https://t.co/wOIwe4sIk1

Aug 28, 2025 · 59 likes · 9 shares · 4,512,631 followers View post →
Katsushi Kagaya @katzkagaya.bsky.social
@katzkagaya · X

> Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://t.co/stvYFHlDhu

Aug 25, 2025 · 1 like · 3,669 followers View post →
u24usa.bsky.social
@u24usa.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots | Science Rhagovelia ripple bugs use specialized middle-leg fans with a flat-ribbon architecture to navigate the surfaces of fast-moving streams. We show that the fan’s directional stiffness enables fast, passive…

Aug 24, 2025 View post →
Short News
@short_news_365 · X

Aug 22, 2025 · 7 followers View post →
Denis Vivares
@denisvivares.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots | Science www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...

Aug 22, 2025 View post →
tejaspassiveincome.bsky.social
@tejaspassiveincome.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots | Science Rhagovelia ripple bugs use specialized middle-leg fans with a flat-ribbon architecture to navigate the surfaces of fast-moving streams. We show that the fan’s directional stiffness enables fast, passive…

Aug 21, 2025 View post →
Un1v3rs0 Z3r0
@Un1v3rs0Z3r0 · X

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots | Science https://t.co/5rHtFEu3Rk

Aug 21, 2025 · 508 followers View post →
soft/living matter fanclub
@softlivmat_fc · X

V. Ortega-Jimenez, et al., Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots. bioRxiv 2024.11.15.623609 (2024). https://t.co/m1rAERFO1p

Nov 19, 2024 · 1,527 followers View post →
bioRxiv Biophysics
@biorxiv-biophys.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.15.623609v1

Nov 15, 2024 View post →
bioRxivpreprint
@biorxivpreprint.bsky.social · Bluesky

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.11.15.623609v1

Nov 15, 2024 View post →
bioRxiv Biophysics
@biorxiv_biophys · X

Ultrafast elastocapillary fans control agile maneuvering in ripple bugs and robots https://t.co/0S1EOyWfTE #biorxiv_biophys

Nov 15, 2024 · 5,370 followers View post →