We study the self-propulsive motion of Janus rectangular rods with high aspect ratios ($\ge 5$), emphasizing the influence of morphological anisotropy on their dynamics. These metallodielectric rods self-propel via induced-charge electrophoresis (ICEP), moving perpendicular to their long axis. The pronounced anisotropic shape gives rise to distinct behaviors, including a discontinuous transition in translational mode, self-entrapment at small obstacles, and self-excited oscillations when trapped. Our findings highlight the pivotal role of shape in determining the motion and interactions of microscale active agents, with implications for the design and control of active matter systems and microengineered devices.

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• Electrokinetic flows
• Electrophoresis
• Fluid-particle interactions
• Nonlinear dynamics in fluids
• Colloids
• Complex fluids
• Living matter & active matter
• Lithography
• Optical microscopy
• Physical deposition