Soft, autonomous Meshworm robot moves like an earthworm
« Back to Article
Meshworm imitates to movements of an earthworm (Photo: MIT)
Meshwomr moves by means of peristalsis (Photo: MIT)
A series of shape-memory wires give Meshworm its motive power (Photo: MIT)
Apply a current to the wires heats them, making them contract (Photo: MIT)
The soft components make Meshworm tough enough to hit with a hammer (Photo: MIT)
Meshworm's design is even simpler than that of an earthworm (Photo: MIT)
Article Summary
In an effort to create robots with soft, pliable exteriors that would be suited to exploring hard to reach places and traversing bumpy terrain, a team of researchers from MIT, Harvard University and Seoul National University has developed a robotic earthworm called Meshworm. Moving in the same manner as an earthworm, it looks disturbingly like an earthworm as it crawls across the floor. However, unlike an earthworm and despite its soft exterior, it is remarkably tough and can survive hammer blows and even being trodden.
« Back to Soft, autonomous Meshworm robot moves like an earthworm
Other Images from this Gallery
Related Articles