Soft-bodied Robot Mimics Caterpillar to Maneuver through Narrow Spaces

Origins of the Soft-bodied Robot Mimicry

Researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Soft Robotics lab have created a soft-bodied robot that can maneuver through narrow spaces, inspired by the way caterpillars move. The robots are made of silicone rubber and contain a control system that inflates and deflates the robot’s compartments, mimicking the movements of a caterpillar.

The Caterpillar’s Movements Replicated

The soft-bodied robot is equipped with multiple segments that can fold and adjust their shape in different ways, enabling it to move and navigate through tight spaces. The researchers modeled the robot’s movements by observing the movements of real caterpillars, focusing on the movement of their soft-bodied segments.

Applications of the Soft-bodied Robot Mimicry

While the team originally created the robot with the intention of sending it to Mars, where it could easily navigate through narrow spaces that a more rigid robot would not be able to, there are also many potential applications for the technology here on Earth. The robot could be used in manufacturing or construction settings where it is necessary to navigate tight spaces, or in the healthcare industry, where it could be used to perform minimally invasive procedures.

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#softrobotics #caterpillarmimicry #maneuverability #narrowspaces #MIT

Summary:

Researchers at MIT’s Soft Robotics lab have created a soft-bodied robot, inspired by the movements of caterpillars, that can navigate through narrow spaces. The robots contain a control system that inflates and deflates their compartments, mimicking the movement of a caterpillar’s soft-bodied segments. The technology could have applications in manufacturing, construction, and healthcare.
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