Rescue people by snake robots

For most people, snakes seem unpalatable and even threatening. But Howie Choset saw in her soft movements a way to save people.

University Professor Carnegie Mellon has spent years developing the solid-state robots he hopes can crawl through dilapidated buildings to search for strangers. In recent weeks, Choset and a few students have acquired these remote-controlled devices that can climb and crawl around water pipes.

Rescuers say the robot will help locate survivors.

" At the moment, the way we use to pull a striker is to pull one brick at a time, so our dream is to get the robotic snake crawling through the rubble, and approach the victim quickly. more ".

Dan Kara, Robotics Trends' specialist in robotics, says other types of robot robots are being developed, mostly in universities, but he does not know which products can climb plumbing. .

The Carnegie Mellon's crawler car incorporates cameras and electronic sensors, controlled by a joystick. It will bend with the help of small electronic motors. Made from lightweight aluminum or plastic, the robot is the size of a human arm or smaller.

Sam Stover, head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency search team, said solid-state robots are more mobile than current devices. Although dogs can sniff better, they can only be effective if salvageers reach the ruined area.

Choset says the solid robot might be ready for use in the next five to 10 years, depending on funding. He and his team will continue to test these machines in the disaster areas of the region.

T. An