The eternal debate: Nightmare Fuel or Man’s Finest Buddy? Scientists equipped a canine-inspired quadruped robot with a mechanized arm capable of collecting air samples in hazardous environments reminiscent of abandoned buildings or fire scenes. Researchers unveiled a study in ACS’ journal, detailing how a robotic canine collects samples and hands them over to an expert who tests for potentially harmful substances. While the current system requires further refinement, demonstration of its capabilities in adverse scenarios highlights its potential value.
Scientists and technicians testing air for harmful chemical compounds in hazardous workplaces or following accidents must navigate a perilous process that poses significant risks to their health and wellbeing. Researchers led by Bin Hu are developing innovative technologies to monitor harmful substances, including hazardous gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), through the creation of autonomous sampling systems such as aerial drones and mini remotely operated vessels, aimed at preventing injuries and ensuring public safety. The latest addition to the mechanical collection is a canine-inspired robot featuring an articulated testing arm attached to its back. The independently managed arm of the robotic system is designed to accommodate three needle lure units (NTDs), which can collect air samples at various altitudes during its terrestrial missions.
Researchers piloted their quadruped “laboratory” through a diverse array of inaccessible terrain, including a waste management facility, sewer system, oil spill site, and chemical storage area, to monitor the atmosphere for hazardous volatile organic compounds (VOCs). While the robotic system proved adept at navigating challenging wet and snowy environments, its true value lay in its ability to collect air samples and rapidly transport them to the on-site mass spectrometer (MS) for immediate analysis, thereby eliminating the need to expose personnel to hazardous conditions or wait for lab results. The researchers assert that their robot-based mass spectrometry (robot-MS) system offers a superior, safer approach to identifying undoubtedly hazardous substances.
