The snake contains 20 water hydraulic motors that move the robotic joints — and a similar number of valves to control the water flow to each motor. Each module consists of two hydraulic motors and two valves. The outer layer is comprised of a strong steel skeleton containing the joint modules,which can rotate around two orthogonal axes. The joints are controlled by custom-built electronics.
SF writers love the robot snake concept; I've found a reference as early as 1946. Emmett McDowell referred to a mechanical mining worm in his short story Love Among the Robots.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 10/3/2008)
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'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!' - Ray Cummings, 1931.
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'If Anyone Is Watching Earth...'
'Our study of your race has convinced us that you are not fitted to leave your planet in the present state of your civilization.'
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'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!'