Tokyo (SCCIJ) – Swiss researchers have developed a snake-like robot with the potential to save lives. This innovative robot can extend up to 100 meters, reaching places that are often inaccessible to humans and drones, making it a valuable asset in disaster response situations.
Pioneering autonomy
Over the years, the Autonomous Systems Lab at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) in Zurich has produced many quirky robots that can roll, swim, walk, or even fly. The lab, headed by Professor Roland Siegwart, is world-renowned for its pioneering innovations and successful start-ups in autonomous robotics. Successful solutions such as Wingtra, ANYbotics, and Ascento Robotics have transitioned from research to industry.
Its next project, the RoBoa snake-like robot, is now near market launch. The autonomous snake-like robot, developed initially as part of a student focus project, is a testament to the adaptability of technology. It can squeeze through narrow spaces thanks to its 3D steering, making it a valuable tool in rescuing disaster victims who may be trapped. The robot’s soft fabric tube body, propelled by compressed air, allows it to move on almost any surface, whether dry, wet, sticky, or dirty.
Navigating gaps and pipes
The current robot body prototype, which is 20 meters long, can be extended to around 100 meters. This length is the maximum at which the folding mechanism can ensure locomotion. The pneumatic design, which uses compressed air to propel the robot, also eliminates the possibility of sparking, thus preventing explosions in hazardous environments. The body’s diameter can be adjusted to allow the robot to squeeze through narrow gaps between 5 and 10 cm.
In addition to a microphone, loudspeakers, and a supply hose for delivering water and liquid food during rescue operations, sensors on board collect environmental data and transmit them in real time. These technologies make RoBoa ideal for inspecting tanks, sewers, and pipes. The robot’s camera system inspects the surroundings. An operator, using a joystick, controls the snake-like robot, guiding it through the environment and making decisions based on the data collected.
Text: Swiss.tech (Editing by SCCIJ)
