The Fraunhofer Institute introduces a spider robot for search and rescue operations
The numerous search and rescue robots designed by researchers as of late come in a variety of interesting forms ? from dogs, to helicopter drones, to shapeshifters that build their own bodies with spray foam. This time, scientists from the Fraunhofer Institute in Germany have announced a prototype robot fashioned after a spider, and built using a 3D printing process called selective laser sintering.
Enormous in size compared to real arachnids, this eight-legged bot can scuttle and even jump by pumping fluids into its limbs. It's very light, allowing it to reach places humans can't during rescue operations, and Fraunhofer scientists also envision its use in places hazardous to human health. ?Unlike many of its robotic brethren, the spiderbot is quick and easy to manufacture. Fraunhofer's process apparently lets the scientists produce several of the robot's spindly legs at once, minimizing efforts and costs.
Ralf Becker, one of the scientists involved in the project, says the robot is so cheap to produce, "it can be discarded after being used just once ? like a disposable rubber glove," proving the cost factor really is its killer feature.?While it doesn't seem as if mass production is imminent, the spiderbot prototype will be showcased during the EuroMold 2011 trade fair in Frankfurt from November 29 to December 2.
Fraunhofer via technabob
This article was written by Mariella Moon and originally appeared on Tecca
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