Scientists Teach Spider to Jump on Demand | National Geographic

Researchers at the University of Manchester have trained a regal jumping spider to leap to a designated target on demand.

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This is the first time a spider has been successfully trained to jump different distances and heights. The scientists named the spider Kim. They trained Kim by creating a gentle tool to repeatedly bring her from one platform to the other. This conditioned the spider to eventually start jumping to the target without the assistance of the tool. They used 3D CT scanning and high-speed cameras to capture and research the spider’s jumps. The aim of the research was to better understand how the anatomy of the spider allows it to jump such great lengths relative to its body. Kim was able to jump to a platform that was six body lengths away. Researchers hope to use the findings of this study to improve the form and function of jumping micro-robots.

Read more in "How Scientists Taught a Spider to Jump on Demand"

Scientists Teach Spider to Jump on Demand | National Geographic

National Geographic

[NatGeo]

This spider was the first to be trained to jump different distances and heights. What are your thoughts on spiders being able to be trained like this?

[hangdiana]

Step 1: jump on command
Step 2: bite on command
Step 3: jump on and bite a man name Peter Parker on command

[TheBillStickers]

I bet it's full name is Kim Possible

[GregoryTheGrster]

Also, "Kim" the spider should make a little "boing" sound when launching a jump.

[somerandomedgyguy]

The back of the spider is smiling, how cute

[AlexanderTravelbum]

National Geographic, you’re the best.

[nvir]

next video: Scientists Teach Spider to Kill on Demand

[joshbrooks]

If All spiders learn to do this I’m moving to the moon

[MrSeekerOfPeace]

Ah yes one of the rare spider species that I would never harm due to how small and fascinating they are.

[legendaryzelda]

I never thought I could be so amazed seeing a spider jump in slow motion..😲 Cool how she uses her back legs!

[hulalaboO-in]

Awesome fellow should get PAID FOR JUMPING

[FXFGamer]

Wtf I thought jumping spiders just teleported around

[TheCam]

There's something very satisfying about watching this spider jump.

[AzlianaLyana]

Well.. this is the first step towards world domination I guess? Imagine thousands of conditioned spiders. Then there's that spider micro-bots? The starts of a small spider army. Totally OK. It's all good, right? Thanks for sharing National Geographic.

[topsecret]

Looking at its jump I can’t help but think of a four legged animal: it needs two pairs to complete its jump; one for power, the other for control and balance. That’s the kind of action that the two rear legs on animals do for such horizontal jumping.

[Misakigi]

I was way more scared of the 3D model spider than the actual spider

[Primalxbeast]

Jumping spiders generally seemed to be inclined to jump towards any likely spot to land anyway. I'm not sure how much "training" would be needed to get it to jump to a spot when no other spot is available to jump towards.

[bd-vklf]

I'm proud of Kim and all. But I don't think we need any jumping micro-robots.

[jinxeffect]

Wait what was that about micro robots!?

[holisticaconsultingv]

I think the spider knows that since the beginning