The present invention relates to novel, highly mobile small robots called "Mini-WHEGS.TM." that can run and jump. They are derived from our larger WHEGS.TM.("wheel-like lecis") series of robots, which benefit from abstracted cockroach locomotion principles. Part of their success is derived from the three spoked appendages, called "WHEGS.TM.", which combine the speed and simplicity of wheels with the climbing mobility of legs. To be more compact than the larger WHEGS.TM. vehicles, Mini-WHEGS.TM. uses four wheel-like legs in an alternating diagonal gait. These 9 cm long robots can run at sustained speeds of over 10 body lengths per second and climb obstacles that are taller than their leg length. They can run forward and backward, on either side. Their robust construction allows them to tumble down a flight of stairs with no damage and carry a payload equal to twice their weight. A jumping mechanism enables Mini-WHEGS.TM. to surmount much larger obstacles such as stair steps.