University of Colorado Boulder
The University of Colorado Boulder's robotics programme includes the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory, led by assistant professor of mechanical engineering Kaushik Jayaram, which created CLARI, the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect. CLARI is smaller than the palm of a human hand and lighter than a Ping Pong ball, an insect-scale 2.59 gram quadruped that can change its body from a square to a narrow, elongated form to squeeze through gaps. It has eight independently actuated degrees of freedom, two per modular leg, driven by custom piezoelectric actuators, and is built using laminate fabrication and origami pop-up techniques, so it can walk through cluttered environments. PhD student Heiko Kabutz and colleagues introduced the robot in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems on 30 August 2023. It still uses tethered electrical connections for power and control and is a research platform aimed at search and rescue inspection.
💡Notable Achievement: CLARI weighs about 2.59 grams and changes shape to squeeze through tight spaces.
What Does University of Colorado Boulder Do?
CU Boulder's Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Lab created CLARI, a 2.59 gram insect-scale robot that squeezes through gaps by changing shape.
“A tiny robot that reshapes itself.”
Shape-Shifting
Changes from square to narrow form.
Origami Build
Laminate fabrication and pop-up assembly.
Piezo Legs
Eight independently actuated DOF.
What Can University of Colorado Boulder Robots Actually Do?
Cross-portfolio operational capabilities, manipulation tasks, and environmental competencies
Insect-scale legged robotics.
Confined-Space Movement
CLARI navigates cluttered, tight spaces.
University of Colorado Boulder Robots
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CLARI (Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect)
Manufactured by University of Colorado Boulder
CLARI (Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect) is an insect-scale quadrupedal robot designed for navigating cluttered and confined environments through passive shape-morphing enabled by origami-inspired compliant exoskeleton. It deforms its body width from 34mm to 21mm to squeeze through narrow gaps, supports multiple gaits (trot, walk) at 1-10 Hz stride frequencies, and demonstrates locomotion in open terrain and laterally constrained spaces. Key features include modular leg design for potential expansion to eight legs, robust mobility over uneven surfaces, and future plans for sensor integration and untethered operation. Use cases encompass search-and-rescue in disaster areas, high-value asset inspection (e.g., engine interiors), environmental monitoring, and exploration of natural terrains mimicking insect adaptability
University of Colorado Boulder Timeline & Milestones
Evolutionary history, landmark prototypes, major acquisitions, and commercial roadmap
CLARI shape-shifting insect robot introduced
Kaushik Jayaram and Heiko Kabutz introduce CLARI, a 2.59 gram shape-shifting insect-scale robot, in Advanced Intelligent Systems.
Source: colorado.edu
University of Colorado Boulder Competitors by Category
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What Makes University of Colorado Boulder Different?
Editorial AnalysisOrigin of Bots objective strategic assessment, engineering moats, and commercial hurdles
Key Strengths & Moats
- ✓Novel deformable design.
- ✓Published in Advanced Intelligent Systems.
Core Strategic Focus
Insect-scale locomotion research.
Road Ahead & Challenges
- •Still tethered for power.
- •Research prototype.
Corporate Ecosystem & Ownership Structure
Parent company relationships, historical acquisitions, and global operating facilities
Global Facilities & Operating Hubs
University of Colorado Boulder Headquarters
HQBoulder, United States
Articles & Industry News
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Frequently Asked Questions
8 AnswersVerified answers, company specifications, and deployment details about University of Colorado Boulder
What is CLARI?
CLARI, the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect, is a tiny quadruped robot from CU Boulder that can change shape to squeeze through narrow gaps.
Who created CLARI?
Kaushik Jayaram, assistant professor of mechanical engineering, and PhD student Heiko Kabutz created CLARI at the University of Colorado Boulder.
How small is CLARI?
CLARI weighs about 2.59 grams, is smaller than the palm of a hand and lighter than a Ping Pong ball, with eight independently actuated degrees of freedom.
How does CLARI change shape?
Each modular leg unit has two actuators, so the body can change from a square to a narrow, elongated form to fit through constricted spaces.
How is CLARI built?
CLARI is made with laminate fabrication and assembled using origami pop-up techniques, with custom piezoelectric actuators driving its legs. The University of Colorado Boulder's robotics programme includes the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory, led by assistant professor of mechanical engineering Kaushik Jayaram, which created CLARI, the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect.
When was CLARI published?
The team introduced CLARI in a study published on 30 August 2023 in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems. The University of Colorado Boulder's robotics programme includes the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory, led by assistant professor of mechanical engineering Kaushik Jayaram, which created CLARI, the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect.
Which lab built CLARI?
CLARI came from the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory, AIM-RL, at the University of Colorado Boulder. The University of Colorado Boulder's robotics programme includes the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory, led by assistant professor of mechanical engineering Kaushik Jayaram, which created CLARI, the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect.
Is CLARI a product?
No. CLARI is a research robot, still connected by tethered wires for power and control, developed to study insect-like movement and deformation.
Verified Data & Editorial Assurance
Compiled from verified corporate filings, official University of Colorado Boulder datasheets, and robotics engineering registries. Information has been verified against official manufacturer documentation. For commercial procurement or proprietary integrations, contact the manufacturer directly.