A robot, Robot V (Ajax) has been constructed based on the death head cockroach, Blaberus discoidalis. In an attempt to further take advantage of the neuromechanics of the animal, actuators with muscle-like properties have been employed that demonstrate a superior force to weight ratio over conventional actuation devices. Although it is not feasible to capture the entire range of motion displayed by the animal (seven degrees of freedom per leg), research has shown that twenty-four degrees of freedom provide a sufficiently close approximation for agile walking and climbing. The fifteen kilogram robot has an offboard power source and control system

Although braided pneumatic actuators are capable of producing remarkable forces compared to their weight, they have seen little mainstream use. One of the reasons is their relatively short fatigue lives at high pressure. By improving the manufacturing techniques, the actuator lifetime was extended by nearly an order of magnitude. Another concern is that their response times may be too long for the control of legged robots. However, the frequency response of these actuators was found to be similar to that of human muscle.

A device that could locomote through curving and tortuous spaces would find many applications in medicine and in industry. Invertebrates such as earthworms and leeches can solve this problem using peristaltic locomotion. We describe a device consisting of three braided pneumatic actuators in series that can successfully locomote peristaltically. The device can locomote forwards and backwards in elevated and curving tubes, and with a plastic sheath around it.

Biological inspiration can be used to improve the mobility of vehicles, even those that are simplified and use current technology. One such hexapod robot called Whegs I is described. Mechanisms in its design permit it to move over various terrains and climb over small obstacles in a manner similar to a cockroach. It uses one motor for propulsion and two small servos for steering. Its appendages, called whegs, consist of three evenly spaced spokes. Passive compliance in its axles permits its nominal tripod gait to adapt to irregular terrain and evolve to co-activation for climbing. Basic locomotion control is implemented in its, mechanical design. A benefit of this mechanical simplicity is that its control system is also simplified. Drawbacks to the simplifications include the inability to change the body's posture and decrease overhead clearance. Some of these problems will be addressed in future versions without compromising the basic design.