We all know that animals (like we) are moved by bones and muscles - spiders are not. They use a hydraulic system that is much more lightweight. Scientists Carlo Menon and Cristian Lira have developed a system out of that idea which is not larger then the leg of a spider. The system is called "Smart Stick" what has nothing to do with an USB stick ;-)

One use is for space crafts. Another more terrestric approach is for clothes. The nice thing is that with such clothes you would not look like a robot (and not like a spider too ;-).

Lira is also investigating a wearable, elastic textile called "variable structure fabric" that comfortably improves people's posture, which is especially useful when working conditions call for long periods of standing or sitting.

"The actuators in 'Variable Structure Fabric (VSF)' involve a new conceptual design of miniaturized fluidic actuators, which are then inserted in cloth items," explains Lira's Web page (VSFproject.com). "Uses for it [include] upholstery, technical clothing, underwear, and vehicle interior linings (based on Smart Stick)."

via PhysOrg