GimBall: The flying robot that likes to crash

Sheena McKenzie, for CNN
Published 5:33 AM EST, Tue November 12, 2013
It's GimBall, a flying robot that could change the face of search-and-rescue missions.
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? —
It's GimBall, a flying robot that could change the face of search-and-rescue missions.
Courtesy EPFL
The futuristic, floating ball features a protective frame, allowing it to bounce off surfaces without damaging its in-built camera -- pictured here with co-creator Adrien Briod of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
Swiss design —
The futuristic, floating ball features a protective frame, allowing it to bounce off surfaces without damaging its in-built camera -- pictured here with co-creator Adrien Briod of the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology.
Courtesy EPFL
"We were wondering why insects were so capable of going inside any building -- yet had limited senses such as eyesight," explained Briod. "One capability that was completely overlooked was their ability to collide into surfaces."
Mimicking mother nature —
"We were wondering why insects were so capable of going inside any building -- yet had limited senses such as eyesight," explained Briod. "One capability that was completely overlooked was their ability to collide into surfaces."
Courtesy EPFL
GimBall: The flying robot that likes to crash

Art of Movement is CNN’s monthly show exploring the