RESCUEROBO

 

Harvard roboticists are in the process of constructing a soft-bodied, untethered robot that can continue operating through fire, water, crushing force, and even freezing conditions. Its body is constructed from a composite of silicone, fabric, and hollow glass microspheres. The group’s gains are an important step forward: If robots such as these are to perform rescue missions and survive demanding weather conditions, they need to be able to roam and slither free from cumbersome power connections.

Video source:
Soft robot squirms over fire, ice, and withstands crushing force

Paper:
http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/soro.2014.0008

CORINA MARINESCU