Scientists are turning to nature for inspiration, and this time, eels are at the center of groundbreaking research. A new international study reveals how elongated amphibious animals, like eels and lampreys, move seamlessly across both water and land. These findings not only deepen our understanding of animal locomotion but also open doors for the design of next-generation bio-inspired robots capable of navigating tough environments.
The Study Behind Eel-Inspired Robotics
The research, published in the prestigious Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), brings together experts from three leading institutions:
- EPFL BioRob Lab (Switzerland) – focused on robotics testing
- Ishiguro Lab at Tohoku University (Japan) – specializing in simulation modeling
- Standen Lab at the University of Ottawa (Canada) – conducting biological observations
Supported by the Human Frontier Science Program, the project combined animal behavior studies, computer simulations, and robotic prototypes to uncover how eels control movement using their nervous systems and sensory feedback.
How Eels Adapt Between Water and Land
According to Professor Emily Standen of the University of Ottawa, elongated fish like eels can switch between swimming and crawling because of a highly adaptable neuromotor system. Their movement relies on:
- Nervous system coordination
- Pressure feedback from the environment
- Stretch feedback in muscles
This multisensory feedback system provides resilience and flexibility, allowing eels to thrive in challenging environments. Even after disruptions, their locomotion remains functional—an ability that could inspire durable robotic systems.
From Nature to Robotics Innovation
One of the most exciting outcomes of this study is its potential for bio-inspired robotics. Engineers could use these principles to design flexible amphibious robots that crawl, slither, or swim through confined and unpredictable terrains. Such robots could prove useful in:
- Environmental monitoring
- Disaster rescue missions
- Underwater exploration
- Industrial inspections in hard-to-reach places
By mimicking eels, future robots may combine strength, resilience, and adaptability in ways that traditional machines cannot achieve.
A Leap Forward in Neuromechanics and Robotics
The published paper, “Multisensory feedback makes swimming circuits robust against spinal transection and enables terrestrial crawling in elongate fish”, highlights how combining biology and robotics can lead to breakthroughs in both fields. It’s a perfect example of how biomechanics research inspires practical engineering solutions.
Key Takeaway
Eels may hold the secret to building more adaptable robots. With their natural ability to move effortlessly across water and land, these animals provide valuable blueprints for engineers. The future of robotics could very well be slimy, slippery, and eel-inspired.
Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (2025). DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2422248122