Harvard University researchers have created a soft robot that overcomes a snowdrift, a flame-resistant and can withstand a great weight.
It is the largest (its length is 65 cm), soft robot complete with an air interface, reported in the journal Soft Robotics.
Michael Tolley robot nicknamed because of its size can carry the battery pack, which is to provide energy when two hours, as well as compressor equipment with electrical interface that allows movement. The robot is made of composite material (elastomer polyaramide and others).
In experiments, the robot Tolley broke a snowdrift, the temperature was -20 degrees Celsius, survived the 20-second contact with the fire, the water pressure and the effects of various acid, and finally ran over to the car, but after that it worked.
So far, tests have been carried out with a robot body, since all the necessary electronics attached on the outside. On the other hand, the researchers say that the electronics hidden inside the shell will not cause a lot of fuss.
Developers plan to increase the robot's movement speed and agility, adding more limbs. Later, it will be programmed to self-react to the obstacles on the way.
Like many other experimental machines, Tolley robot designed to participate in the rescue operations and in situations where it is necessary to get through the narrow cracks and various human insurmountable obstacles.
