“…I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands.” - Psalm 143:5
Engineers have long looked to nature for inspiration. From the shape of a bird’s wonderful wing influencing flight to the structure of a bee’s sweet honeycomb guiding efficient and robust designs, God’s created world has time and time again inspired human ingenuity!
A recent robotics study provides a striking and relatable example. In designing a monopedal robot capable of leaping between narrow branches, engineers have studied the landing behavior of squirrels, animals we see daily performing feats of agility that still challenge advanced machines.
The research describes how a robot called Salto-1P was designed to leap across gaps and land on small-diameter supports such as branches. These landings are difficult because of high momentum and limited contact area. Rather than relying on strong gripping mechanisms, the robot was designed to control leg length and radial force during landing, a strategy directly inspired by squirrel locomotion. Squirrels simply do not possess high grip strength like some other arboreal animals, yet they land, balance, and move with graceful consistency. By mimicking this biological strategy, engineers dramatically expanded the range of landing conditions the robot could survive. While this achievement occurred in the lab, for the believer, this is more than an interesting technical achievement.
Scripture repeatedly points us toward God’s creation as a witness to His wisdom and power. Job 12:7–8 says, “But now ask the beasts, and they will teach you; and the birds of the air, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you; and the fish of the sea will explain to you.” When modern engineers find themselves learning from squirrels, we see a contemporary fulfillment of this ancient truth!
This example also invites us to deeper personal reflection. Squirrels exhibit traits that align with biblical exhortations for how God’s people are to live. Our furry little friends are alert, prepared, hardworking, and effective in the environment for which they were designed. These qualities are not accidental but mirror intentional and intelligent design. Proverbs 6:6 encourages us, “Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise.”
Observing animals can exhort us to be diligent and ready. Let’s consider more closely a few attributes commonly associated with squirrels.
First, squirrels are alert and aware of their surroundings. They constantly scan for danger and opportunity. Scripture echoes this posture. First Peter 5:8 warns, “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.” Such awareness is not optional, but vital.
Second, squirrels are agile and ready for action. They move decisively when the moment requires it. Compare this with Paul’s imagery when he charges believers to be spiritually equipped. Ephesians 6:13 says, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Readiness, both physical and spiritual, enables stability, especially when attacks come seemingly out of nowhere.
Third, squirrels are resourceful and hardworking. They gather, store, and make haste while the sun shines – long before the winter of scarcity arrives. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, but those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” These are signs of wisdom.
Finally, squirrels function effectively within the confines of their design. Rather than fighting against their constraints, they work within them. In a similar way, believers are called to walk faithfully within the calling God has given them. Colossians 3:23 instructs, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” Faithfulness, not comparison, is the measure of success.
When engineers look to squirrels to solve complex mechanical problems, they affirm that the creation reflects the fingerprint of its Divine Creator. As God’s children, we can look beyond a squirrel’s physical attributes and consider the works of God’s mighty hand to grow spiritually, too. Whether in robotics labs or in our own backyard, God’s design continues to teach those who have eyes to see.
Ref: Monopedal robot branch-to-branch leaping and landing inspired by squirrel balance control, Justin K. Yim, Eric K. Wang, Sebastian D. Lee, Nathaniel H. Hunt, Robert J. Full, and Ronald S. Fearing, Science Robotics, 2025.
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