Researchers build 3D Printed Robot That Can Travel Through The Intestine
This new Robot moves like a worm in forward and backward directions that appears like a perpendicular wave. This 3D printed robot is designed by researchers to climb a difficult terrain, swim and crawl on sand, grass and gravel.
It is developed by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel, its applications vary according to the needs by making variations in its size. It the first single actuator wave-like robot (SAW) known.
Its minimalistic mechanical design produces an advancing sine wave with a large amplitude, using only a single motor with no internal straight spine.
According to Dr. David Zarrouk, head of the Bio-Inspired and Medical Robotics Lab SAW provides that unique solution which makes it a polymath. It can be in charge of future imaging and biopsies of a man’s digestive system, also make an ace in propelling the surveillance systems. The robot is also offered in a waterproof variant that can swim 6 centimeters per second. With further addition of spiny traction enhancers to each link the robot can increase the speed up to 13% of its original offering.
“Researchers all over the world
have been trying to create a wave movement for 90 years. We succeeded by finding a simple, unique solution that enables the robot to be built in different sizes for different purposes. For example, it can be scaled up for search and rescue and maintenance, or miniaturised to a diameter of one centimetre or less to travel within the human body for medical purposes, such as imaging and biopsies of the digestive system,” he said.Zarrouk, who has been developing robots with a minimalistic and high-performance approach for many years, claims that SAW is easy to manufacture, strong, reliable, and energy efficient, which enables long-distance travel.
“The robot requires barely any maintenance, which is very unusual for an almost completely 3D-printed prototype that is this dynamic. I believe it will be useful for travelling through the intestine for imaging and biopsies, and for infiltrating problematic, complex security areas, such as tunnels, destroyed buildings and pipes,” he said.
The University release confirms that SAW is no less than the BB-8 droid of Star-Wars when it comes to long distance traveling. Plus it boasts of an energy efficient design, robust outlines and a strong base that will help it, grab its zenith. To successfully replicate Zarrouk’s ideas, he partnered with two research associates, among whom one is specialized in the topic – swimming in viscous liquids and other in, movement on flexible and slippery surfaces to apply on a compatible robotic tool. The findings were published in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics.
