Thursday14 November 2024
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Resembling a gecko, scientists have developed a robot capable of "shedding" its limbs when needed (video).

In their research, scientists drew inspiration from a reptile capable of "losing" its tail, according to reports from journalists.
Ученые разработали робота, напоминающего геккона, который способен при необходимости "откидывать" свои конечности (видео).

Researchers from Yale University (USA) have developed a robot capable of detaching its limbs when necessary. This feature is designed to prevent getting stuck while navigating hazardous terrain, writes CNN.

This robot was created by scientists at Yale University. Its main advantage lies in its joints. The substance that connects them has a rubber-like consistency at room temperature. When heated, it becomes more fluid, allowing the limb to break off.

According to journalists, multiple such robots can be connected together. For instance, in a Yale lab, three machines were combined, enabling them to cross a chasm that was too wide for just one.

As reported, the inspiration for this robot came from the gecko, which can shed its tail in times of danger. This makes the machine more adaptable to its surroundings.

"We can modify the robot's functionality," added Bilig Yang, a graduate student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.

Currently, most modern robots are made from rigid materials, particularly metal and plastic. However, there is a growing interest in "soft" robots created from flexible materials. This allows them to navigate confined spaces, operate under challenging conditions, and perform certain tasks more effectively.

While such robots have not yet become widespread, robotics engineers are working on their development, drawing inspiration from nature. These robots could be utilized for a variety of tasks — from "delivering medicine through the winding human intestines to soft machines resembling jellyfish for underwater exploration."

As a reminder, in October, after a five-year renovation, the Xiaomeisha Sea World aquarium opened in Shenzhen (China). Visitors paid $40 to see the main exhibit — a giant whale shark. However, they were disappointed to find that a robot was swimming in the aquarium.

Recently, it was revealed that robots can incite people to attack one another. This could happen due to a single error during "communication" with them.