We present the first robot that can perch on complex tree branches like a bird: SNAG. The robot is inspired by our earlier research in which we uncovered how birds land reliable on complex surfaces including real branches and Teflon perches. We embodied our findings in this new perching robot that can land in trees for environmental and biodiversity monitoring. Outfitting SNAG with different foot morphologies, we were also able to show that the two most common bird foot morphologies are similarly well adapted for perching on complex branches covert with dirt, moss, and lichen. The cover publication in Science Robotics was featured in a Science AAAS video feature and the worldwide media including Wired and Smithsonian Magazine.
