Have you ever thought about robots which can climb textured surfaces, burrow into confined spaces, collapse into small shape and regain their original shape? If no then start thinking about them as researchers at the Tufts University are making an effort to build robots which will have flexible bodies, electronic components and wiring.
These robots will be able to do a lot of things such as exploring a human body to examining industrial pipelines for damages. They will also be able to venture into dangerous terrains such as minefields or nuclear reactors and even repair space machines.
Barry Trimmer, Professor stated
The team hopes to create a robot that you can pick up and crumple into a ball in your hand, let it go, and watch it walk away
Researchers are trying to emulate the nervous system and muscle capabilities of the caterpillar and are working on the material which could be used for making these robots. So get ready for the caterpillar robots.
Via abc
