2 replies to this topic

[velma]

While going through the daily news, I found an article about a robot designed by Harvard, they've developed a little four legged robot that crawls around & into tight spaces, the demonstration can be seen in the source. Firstly, I think it would be a hit if converted into a toy(imagining the reactions of my pets), it was amusing to just watch it wriggle around... some of the appreciative comments I got from family & friends are too crass to mention here:lol: . But.. It makes me wonder how useful can it really get in the real world..

Being able to crawl into tight spots could allow for police to check on people(make sure they are safe or if suspected to be dead) but it is pretty slow so I doubt it would be all that useful during a raid, the offenders could simply squish it the instant it starts crawling into the house

Another use could be to quadriplegic or paraplegic people, with a suction mechanism, could help them pick up dropped items. Can any of you think of uses for this little robot?

Quote

Robotic science is intended to create devices that can aid humans in activities. In some case, it’s to help perform tasks that are too difficult or dangerous for humans. In other cases, it’s to relieve us of mundane tasks. Then, there are cases of robots that do little more than invade our nightmares.
Such is the case with this robot designed by Harvard. This flexible device is able to wiggle and writhe it’s way through tight spaces. There are uses for such a device, we’re sure. We just don’t what those uses are yet outside of possible the defense department having some diabolical plans for it.

Source

[HoRuS]

Indeed creepy and crawly :s
My guess is it will be used for espionage activities or for the use inside the policeforce.

Well equiped it could also be used for studying certain (small) species or to check if certain area's are safe.
This can also be a great tool to be used after earthquakes or other disasters to crawl into the rubble to search for survivors.

[Quatrux]

Really nice video and a terrific robot, it can really be useful and the method used to move is impressing

But as for espionage, it seems to have some kind of a wire or something like that. Moreover it seemed to be quite slow, but still impressing