Robotic soft

Researchers at Tufts University, Massachusetts have successfully engineered a molluscic robot that simulates deep-seated, search and rescue behaviors.

GoQBot soft robot model.

Although highly adaptable, the mollusc robots are still limited by slow speed. Some caterpillars have the special ability to quickly bend themselves to the wheel and push themselves away from the enemy.

To simulate the motion of the caterpillar, the researchers designed a soft 10 cm soft robot called GoQBot (which formed a Q shape before launching the leap more than half a meter). with silicone rubber.

GoQBot is designed to reproduce specific morphology of a caterpillar, equipped with five infrared rays along the body wall, allowing for tracking of their movement using the system. latest generation 3D tracking.

This study was published in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics in the following video ( YouTube source):

" GoQBot is a form of robot reconfiguration, which increases the speed and range of performance, so it can be enhanced with some applications, such as Urban rescue robots, construction, inspection and supervision of the environment '.

Many modern robots are modeling snakes, moths and caterpillars that have demonstrated their ability to collect data and manage difficult areas.