Loading AI tools
Snake-like robot From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Snakebot, also known as a snake robot, is a biomorphic, hyper-redundant robot that resembles a snake. Snake robots come in many shapes and sizes, including the "Anna Konda" developed by SINTEF, a hydraulic fire fighting robot with a length of 3 m[1] and the medical Snakebot developed at Carnegie Mellon University, which is capable of maneuvering around organs inside a human chest cavity.[2] Snakebots have uses similar to those of certain types of soft robots.[3]
 | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Snakebots can vary significantly in size and design. Their small cross-section-to-length ratios allow them to maneuver through tight spaces. Their ability to change shape enables them to traverse varied terrain.[citation needed]
Many snake robots are constructed by chaining together several independent links. This redundancy allows them to continue operating even after parts of their bodies are damaged. Snake robots have several common properties such as high trainability, redundancy, and the ability to completely seal their bodies. This makes snake robots notable for practical applications and as a research topic.[4][5]
A Snakebot differs from a snake-arm robot in that Snakebots are usually self-contained, whereas snake-arm robots typically have mechanics remote from the arm itself, possibly connected to a larger system.[citation needed]
| This section has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|
Snakebots are specialized robots inspired by the movement of snakes, designed to operate in environments where traditional wheeled or legged robots struggle to reach. They are primarily used in scenarios that require navigating confined, narrow, or irregular spaces.
By mimicking the unique locomotion of snakes, Snakebots offer a versatile solution for tasks across multiple industries, enabling capabilities that traditional robots or human workers find challenging or impossible to accomplish safely.
Traditional Snakebots move by changing the shape of their body, similar to actual snakes. Many variants have been created that use wheels or treads for movement. There has yet to be any Snakebots that accurately approximate the locomotion of real snakes. However, researchers have produced new movement methods that do not occur in nature.[citation needed]
In Snakebot research, a gait is a periodic mode of locomotion. For example, sidewinding and lateral undulation are both gaits. Snakebot gaits are often designed by investigating period changes to the shape of the robot. For example, a caterpillar moves by changing the shape of its body to match a sinusoidal wave. Similarly, a Snakebot can move by adapting its shape to different periodic functions.[6]
Sidewinder rattlesnakes can ascend sandy slopes by increasing the portion of their bodies in contact with the sand to match the reduced yielding force of the inclined sand, allowing them to ascend the maximum possible sand slope without slip.[7] Snakebots that side-wind can replicate this ascent.[7]
Snakebots are currently being researched as a new type of robotic, interplanetary probe by engineers at the NASA Ames Research Center. Software for Snakebots is also being developed by NASA, so that they can learn by experiencing the skills to scale obstacles and remembering the techniques.[8]
Snake robots are also being developed for search and rescue purposes at Carnegie Mellon University's Biorobotics Lab.[9]
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Every time you click a link to Wikipedia, Wiktionary or Wikiquote in your browser's search results, it will show the modern Wikiwand interface.
Wikiwand extension is a five stars, simple, with minimum permission required to keep your browsing private, safe and transparent.
