Inspired by nature, this robot morphs to overcome almost any obstacle

EPFL researchers have developed a robot that can drive, roll, and even paddle through water to reach its destination.
 By   on 
GOAT shape shifting robot
Watch Next

A sneak peek at the innovations that will change our everyday lives in the future.


GOAT is a shape-shifting robot designed to move across almost any terrain by changing its form in real time. It can switch between a flat, rover-like mode for driving and a spherical mode for rolling, saving energy and adapting to different environments. Inspired by animals, GOAT’s flexible design allows it to navigate obstacles without complex sensors, relying instead on simple navigation and its ability to work with the environment. With potential applications in disaster response, environmental monitoring, and even space exploration, GOAT represents a new approach to robotic movement.

Topics Robotics


More from Future Blink
A tiny deep sea robot took a dive into Earth's deepest trench
A Mashable illustration shows the small deep sea robot dive down the Mariana Trench

A futuristic polar station is set to make history in the Arctic
A drone image shows the Tara Polar Station up in the Arctic, surrounded by ice

All you need to know about Neuralink's Telepathy update
Image shows Elon Musk speaking on stage during Neuralink's Summer 2025 Update. Caption reads: Neuralink Update

World's tallest 3D-printed building wants to revive a tiny community
A drone shot captures the tall white Tor Alva at dusk, as lights have just gone out. It's surrounded by Mulegns' traditional houses, and the Alps are seen in the background

The world's first robotic vertical farm resembles a Rubik's Cube
A split image shows a zoomed out render of the Opollo Farm (left) and a zoomed in version on one of the robotic cubes (right. Caption reads: Rubik's Garden

Latest Videos

Stephen Colbert reacts to the Artemis II moon mission
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, gesturing.


'The Daily Show' reacts to judge halting Trump's White House ballroom
Desi Lydic presents "The Daily Show" beside an image of Donald Trump.


A24's 'Mother Mary' trailer is worth it for the FKA twigs track
Anne Hathway is dressed in a red pop star outfit with religious overtones in a film still from "Mother Mary."

Jon Stewart has a brutal reaction to Trump waffling about pens
A man in a suit sitting behind a talk show desk looks angry. In the top left is an image of the president holding up a pen.

Stephen Colbert gleefully recaps the best signs at the 'No Kings' protest
A man in a suit stands on a talk show stage, smiling. The caption at the bottom reads, "I like that one."

Riz Ahmed is troublingly intense in new 'SNL UK' promo
A close-up of a man grinning in a slightly creepy way.


The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!