Abigaille the Robot Has Sticky Pads on Its Feet Like a Reptile
Laura McQuarrie — January 5, 2014 — Tech
Abigaille is the name of a robot developed by The European Space Agency and Canada’s Simon Fraser University, a sticky-footed bot that will be used to repair spaceships.
The design of the surface-scaling Abigaille is biomimicry-based, meaning the robot is modeled after a creature found in nature. In this case, the six-footed bot was designed after a gecko and it has many microscopic pads on it feet that allow it to walk and stick to surfaces without any adhesives.
As well, Abigaille has quite the range of motions, including being able to make the transition from horizontal to vertical surfaces with ease. This means that the robot will be able to access parts that wheeled robots cannot go and has huge implications for how spaceship tune-ups could be conducted in the future.
The design of the surface-scaling Abigaille is biomimicry-based, meaning the robot is modeled after a creature found in nature. In this case, the six-footed bot was designed after a gecko and it has many microscopic pads on it feet that allow it to walk and stick to surfaces without any adhesives.
As well, Abigaille has quite the range of motions, including being able to make the transition from horizontal to vertical surfaces with ease. This means that the robot will be able to access parts that wheeled robots cannot go and has huge implications for how spaceship tune-ups could be conducted in the future.
Trend Themes
1. Biomimicry-based Robotics - Developing robots that mimic characteristics and capabilities found in nature, such as gecko-like sticky pads, opens up new possibilities for various industries.
2. Microscopic Surface Adhesion - Exploring adhesive technologies at a microscopic level, inspired by the gecko's feet, can lead to disruptive innovations in areas like robotics, manufacturing, and transportation.
3. Enhanced Robotic Mobility - Creating robots that can smoothly transition from horizontal to vertical surfaces, like the gecko-inspired Abigaille, offers opportunities for industries involved in space exploration, maintenance, and construction.
Industry Implications
1. Robotics - The development of gecko-like robots opens up new possibilities for designing robots that can navigate diverse environments, aiding industries like healthcare, search and rescue, and manufacturing.
2. Manufacturing - Implementing gecko-inspired adhesive technologies in manufacturing processes can revolutionize product assembly, improving efficiency and reducing the need for traditional fasteners.
3. Space Exploration - Gecko-like robots with enhanced mobility can play a significant role in repairing spaceships, transforming the way maintenance and repairs are conducted in the space exploration industry.
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