As advances in robotic technology gather momentum, you can expect to see more weird and wonderful robots being developed and launched. One such fascinating creation is the snake robot, which is just one of the many innovative robots being developed today.
Dynamic Head Look Control
One extraordinary new technology of the snake robot demonstrated recently is the dynamic head look control of a modular snake robot. This feature has been developed to allow the robot to always look in the same direction as it climbs tubes and structures and slithers through cracks. Watch the video after the jump to see the snake robot in action.
The new snake robot technology now allows users to see feedback from the snake’s onboard camera from the same angle without the camera spinning upside down as the snake slithers. This is particularly beneficial when the snake robot is being used in disaster zones to check for survivors or carry out surveillance. The ability to maintain a consistent viewpoint ensures that operators can accurately interpret the visual data, which is crucial in high-stakes environments.
Applications and Versatility
The system has been developed by CMU Biorobotics Lab, who explain a little more about the technology behind the snake robot:
“Moreover, these highly articulated devices can coordinate their internal degrees of freedom to perform a variety of locomotion capabilities that go beyond the capabilities of conventional wheeled and the recently developed legged robots. The true power of these devices is that they are versatile, achieving behaviors not limited to crawling, climbing, and swimming.”
This versatility opens up a plethora of applications for the snake robot. For instance, in search and rescue missions, the snake robot can navigate through rubble and debris that would be inaccessible to traditional robots. Its ability to climb and slither through tight spaces makes it an invaluable tool for locating trapped individuals in collapsed buildings.
In the field of industrial inspection, the snake robot can be used to examine pipelines, reactors, and other confined spaces where human entry is either impossible or hazardous. The robot’s camera can provide real-time visual feedback, allowing operators to identify potential issues without the need for costly and time-consuming shutdowns.
Furthermore, the snake robot’s swimming capabilities make it suitable for underwater exploration and maintenance tasks. It can inspect underwater structures, such as oil rigs and ship hulls, providing valuable data to engineers and maintenance crews.
The potential for snake robots in the medical field is also being explored. Researchers are investigating the use of snake robots for minimally invasive surgeries, where the robot’s flexibility and precision could allow for procedures that are less invasive and have quicker recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.
As robotic technology continues to advance, the capabilities and applications of snake robots are likely to expand even further. From disaster response to industrial inspection and medical procedures, these versatile robots are poised to make a significant impact across various fields.
Source : : Gizmodo
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