NYU Researchers Developed Soft Inchworm Robot

The 20-inch device named WorMa uses water-filled balloons to navigate land and water.

Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Robotics

A segmented, translucent silicone robotic tube with internal fluid chambers rests on a concrete floor in a laboratory. — NYU researchers developed a soft robot called WorMa, an inchworm-inspired prototype designed to navigate diverse land and water environments. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe robots designed to mimic biological movement are beneficial for environmental monitoring?

NYU Tandon researchers revealed a new soft robot named WorMa on September 14, 2026. The inchworm-inspired machine is designed for versatile movement across both land and water environments.

Why it matters

This prototype explores the potential for soft robotics to traverse diverse terrains using shifting body mass rather than rigid mechanical components. Its design aims to provide a flexible solution for difficult-to-reach environments.

WorMa features a latex body measuring 20 inches in length and weighing 2.2 pounds. It utilizes two water-filled balloons to shift its center of gravity via a pump system.

The players

NYU Tandon

The New York University Tandon School of Engineering is a prominent institution known for its research in diverse fields including robotics and artificial intelligence.

The details

The robot functions by transferring water between internal balloons located in its head and tail, allowing it to mimic the movement of an inchworm. Researchers currently manage the center of gravity through a remote control system.

September 14, 2026: The WorMa robot was officially revealed to the public.

The Tech Race

This development aligns with the broader push toward soft robotics, which seeks to replace traditional rigid motors with flexible materials. It marks a shift toward bio-inspired designs that can handle uneven terrain where heavy metal hardware often fails.

Future iterations of this technology could eventually lower the cost of environmental inspections and search-and-rescue operations. The current focus on research means consumers and businesses will not see immediate commercial applications or price changes.

The takeaway

Soft robotics remains a promising frontier for creating machines that can adapt to changing terrain. Future advancements will focus on adding autonomous processing capabilities to enhance the functionality of these flexible devices.