This Robotic Spider Jumps Much Like Real Jumping Spiders
Rahul Kalvapalle — October 8, 2015 — Tech
References: spectrum.ieee.org & engadget
A group of scientists at researchers at the University of Cape Town in South Africa have created an incredible jumping robot that is inspired by the unique movements of jumping spiders. Many species of jumping spider affix themselves securely to their perch using a silken thread that acts like a backup tether. This mechanism has now been applied to the robotic spider.
The robot itself is named the Line-Equipped Autonomous Platform or LEAP, and is largely made out of LEGO Technics pieces -- with a simple spool of nylon acting as the safety tether. As the robot falls, it adjusts the tension of its tether using a motor, and can add or reduce drag on its line to change its flight path.
In the future, this jumping spider-inspired robot could leap from a perch and land on its feet, something that would enable it to be used in a wide variety of industrial and military settings.
The robot itself is named the Line-Equipped Autonomous Platform or LEAP, and is largely made out of LEGO Technics pieces -- with a simple spool of nylon acting as the safety tether. As the robot falls, it adjusts the tension of its tether using a motor, and can add or reduce drag on its line to change its flight path.
In the future, this jumping spider-inspired robot could leap from a perch and land on its feet, something that would enable it to be used in a wide variety of industrial and military settings.
Trend Themes
1. Jumping Spider-inspired Robotics - Applying the unique movements of jumping spiders to robotic design opens up possibilities for versatile and agile robots.
2. LEGO Technics Robotics - Using versatile and easily accessible materials like LEGO Technics can revolutionize the field of robotics.
3. Safety Tether Robotics - The use of a safety tether mechanism opens up opportunities for more controlled and agile robotic movements.
Industry Implications
1. Industrial Robotics - Jumping spider robots could potentially be used in industrial settings for versatile and precise movements.
2. Military Robotics - Agile and versatile robots could have applications in the military for scouting and exploratory purposes.
3. Toy Robotics - Robotic toys that utilize LEGO Technics and jumping spider-inspired movements could be a new and exciting trend in the toy industry.
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