Beyond surface tension-dominated water surface jumping

Xin Wang, Neng Xia, Chengfeng Pan (), Jinsheng Zhao, Bo Hao, Lin Su, Dongdong Jin, Qingsong Xu, Xurui Liu, Xingyu Hou and Li Zhang ()
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Xin Wang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Neng Xia: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Chengfeng Pan: Zhejiang University
Jinsheng Zhao: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Bo Hao: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Lin Su: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Dongdong Jin: Harbin Institute of Technology (Shenzhen)
Qingsong Xu: University of Macau
Xurui Liu: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Xingyu Hou: The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Li Zhang: The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Nature Communications, 2025, vol. 16, issue 1, 1-10

Abstract: Abstract Water surface jumping motions of semi-aquatic insects are primarily rely on surface tension-dominated jumping mechanism to achieve impressive jumping performance. However, this mechanism faces an inherent physical constraint: the propulsion force must remain below the threshold required to break the water surface, limiting efficient momentum acquisition. Herein, we present a water surface jumping strategy that addresses the limitations of surface tension-dominated mechanism. Our approach allows the engineered jumper to achieve a record-breaking jumping height of 18 body lengths (63 cm) and take-off velocity of 100.6 body length/s (3.52 m/s). This strategy is built on three key design principles: (I) superhydrophobic body for floating on water surface, (II) light-weight, high-power actuation module capable of providing significant propulsion force within an ultrashort time, (III) well-engineered momentum transmission system for efficient kinetic energy transfer. The developed soft jumper based on these design principles advances the development of water environment related robotics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-58096-8

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