A group of researchers from Yale University in the US has developed a robot capable of amputating its leg to save itself. Despite losing limbs in trapped situations, the robot can continue its mission, assisting in search and rescue efforts under dangerous conditions. This innovative robot, inspired by lizards, features joints made from a special material that can be reshaped using electric current.
Self-Amputating Soft Robot
Scientists at Yale University have created a soft robot that can sever its own limbs, drawing inspiration from nature. Rapid advancements in robotics often lead scientists to mimic the abilities of animals, and soft robots, in particular, offer significant advantages over their rigid metal and plastic counterparts, especially in tasks requiring flexibility.
Innovative Design
Researchers at Yale’s Faboratory Lab have designed this robot to amputate its limbs when they become stuck. This design mimics the behavior of lizards that shed their tails as a defense mechanism. According to a study published in the journal Advanced Materials, the robot’s severed limb can be reattached afterward.
The robot is constructed from a novel material known as homeomorphic thermoplastic foam (BTF) combined with an adhesive polymer. Its joints can be melted apart by applying an electric current and can then be reassembled.
Applications in Search and Rescue
Bilige Yang, the lead researcher of the study, emphasizes that the robot can adapt to harsh conditions and change its shape as needed. “We can edit the functionality of the robot on demand,” Yang explains. He believes that this self-amputating capability will be particularly beneficial for search and rescue operations, especially in hazardous terrains on other planets.
Expert Insights
Yu Jun Tan, a researcher specializing in soft electronics and robots at the National University of Singapore, noted that this study represents a groundbreaking advancement. “For the first time, we see a soft robot that can amputate and reconstruct itself. This is a very, very interesting invention that can be applied in various fields.”
Yang and his team are already developing robotic turtles that combine the round legs of land turtles with the flexible legs of sea turtles, showcasing the potential for further innovation in soft robotics.
This research highlights the intersection of robotics and nature, paving the way for new applications in challenging environments while advancing the capabilities of soft robots.
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