Despite their reputation for being slow-moving and slimy, snails have inspired the development of a novel type of robot that could potentially prove very useful. Teams of autonomous bots can operate independently or collaborate collectively to accomplish tasks that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Recently, a significant amount of attention has been devoted to the concept of “dots”.
This concept involves deploying small autonomous robots that can operate independently or in tandem with other units within a swarm. As the situation unfolds, the robots engage in seamless communication, their collective efforts harmoniously aligned to ensure the task is accomplished efficiently.
The proposed role might involve searching for survivors amidst catastrophic destruction, conducting reconnaissance missions in perilous settings, and venturing onto diverse planetary surfaces to gather vital information.
In certain situations, robots require physical connectivity to interact effectively.
Due to the ability of aerial and underwater robots to move freely both horizontally and vertically, they can combine to form complex three-dimensional shapes when working together. Because ground-going robots are limited to horizontal movement, they’re confined to creating two-dimensional structures, thereby constraining their application possibilities. What’s truly innovative about many experimental fashion designs developed thus far is their limited ability to transcend generations.
While the concept of off-road robots is intriguing, what if we’ve already seen “off-road” terrestrial bots capable of self-stacking, forming intricate three-dimensional structures through their ability to ascend and combine. This innovative snail robot is now available at this location.
The Department of Chinese Language and Literature at The University of Hong Kong
Developed by researchers at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in collaboration with Da Zhao, the innovative device draws inspiration from the unique characteristics of the White Jade land snail. The sluglike movement of the snail, in its own pace, slowly glides across the terrain. fairly Effective bonding requires adaptability; while exceling on surfaces, employ suction to form a robust connection when needed.
The robot features a spherical ferromagnetic iron shell, housing a battery, microprocessor, and various electronic components. Underneath its protective casing lies an innovative system comprising tank-like tracks fashioned from a durable rubber compound and embedded magnets. A retractable, vacuum-powered suction cup is strategically placed between the two parallel tracks.
A transparent-shelled model of the robotic reveals its underside, showcasing an innovative design feature: a dense array of miniature polymer stalks embedded within the suction cup that enables secure adhesion to even the most rugged surfaces.
The University’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature in Hong Kong
In free mode, the robotic’s suction cup remains retracted and powerless. As it traverses diverse topographies with ease, the bot navigates rugged and varied terrain by employing the magnetic properties of its tracks, thereby enabling it to ascend the shells of rival snail robots with remarkable agility.
As soon as it’s installed, the bot transitions into robust mode, accomplishing this by adjusting and activating its suction mechanism. As the two robots interlocked, their cups securely grasping each other’s shells, they formed an unbreakable bond, their mechanical bodies now inseparable. The robotic’s shell is capable of rotating independently of the cup, enabling it to spin in place without compromising its grip.
The University of Hong Kong’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature
During outdoor tests conducted so far, colonies of snail robots have collaborated to accomplish tasks such as scaling ledges, traversing gaps, and coalescing into a singular robotic limb. While current experimental protocols rely on remote management of the bots, future generations may potentially tackle such challenges independently.
You can witness the snail robots in action by viewing the video below. Recently, a research paper analyzing certain data has been published in a reputable scientific journal. .
Why should I be disenchanted that the bots don’t look like humans? that a lot Like actual snails, researchers at Carnegie Mellon University recently designed and built tiny robots that mimic their slimy trail-making abilities.
[Nature Communications] Snail-inspired robotic swarms
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