In several superhero flicks, characters’ capacity to leap to outrageous heights inspire over-the-top battle sequences and strain plots. Researchers have developed a basic robot that can ascend towering structures in one bound.

A team led by UC Santa Barbara engineering professor Elliot Hawkes developed the mechanical jumper, which can reach a height of around 100 feet (30 meters). This is the highest ever attained by any known natural or manmade jumper, according to the experts.