 |
Snake-Arm Robots From OCRobotics Reach Out
Snake-Arm Robots from OCRobotics have a wide variety of applications, particularly in restricted-access environments like nuclear repair, maintenance and decomissioning, bomb disposal, aerospace construction and more.
(Snake-Arm Robotics)
Snake-arm robots are made up of a large number of segments. It is a tendon-driven, with wires terminating at various points along the length of the arm. The curvature and plane of curvature of each segment can be independently controlled. A motor is used to control the length of each wire independently. The control software calculates the necessary lengths of all the wires to produce the desired shape.
(Snake-Arm Robotics)
The operator of the snake-arm uses a joystick to drive the tip; the rest of the arm follows the tip, driven by the control software. In this way, the tip of the snake-arm is able to work its way into very restricted areas. The body of the arm is hollow, which allows all service items to be carried inside, further increasing its ability to work in tight spaces.
This kind of robotic arm is different from a previously covered item - the Octarm Robotic Tentacle which can actually grasp an object and manipulate it, in the same way that an elephant can use its trunk.
Take a look at examples of fully autonomous snakebots. Read more about the snake-arm robot at OCRobotics (via robotgossip).
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 9/22/2006)
Follow this kind of news @Technovelgy.| Email | RSS | Blog It | Stumble | del.icio.us | Digg | Reddit |
Would
you like to contribute a story tip?
It's easy:
Get the URL of the story, and the related sf author, and add
it here.
Comment/Join discussion ( 0 )
Related News Stories - (" Robotics ")
WIND Wearable Robot Controller
Robot wirelessly sense, robot do. Kind of like a full-torso waldo.
IMPASS Robot 'Smart Wheel' Video
They're making great progress with Neal Stephenson's 'smart wheels' - take a look at the video.
Predator, Prey Robots Evolve
Just how much help should human beings give to robots as they evolve toward greater functionality?
PALRO Companion Robot
Who's your favorite companion robot? Little PALRO might fit the bill.
Technovelgy (that's tech-novel-gee!) is devoted to the creative science inventions and ideas of sf authors. Look for the Invention Category that interests you, the Glossary, the Invention Timeline, or see what's New.
Current News
Put MercuryHouseOne Anywhere
Perhaps looking out through the spray of Victoria Falls.
Computational Wood: Grow Circuits In Living Trees
Just tap into the information tree.
SIRI Virtual Assistant Like Pohl's Joymaker
Man Forrester! Your joymaker is ready.
Liquid Glass Universal Spray-On Protectant
Also used to protect galactic way stations.
WIND Wearable Robot Controller
Robot wirelessly sense, robot do.
Gesture Cube Touch-Free Input
Just think of the gestures you'll use!
IMPASS Robot 'Smart Wheel' Video
I love it when good robot research comes together.
Predator, Prey Robots Evolve
Humanity must make a choice about robot evolution.
Mind-Control Lights At Vancouver Olympics
Bringing The Game to the Olympic Games.
PALRO Companion Robot
Who's your favorite companion robot?
Wasabi Smoke Alarm Now Available
It's an odalarm!
Spyder Olympic GS Suit With d3o
An impact suit made with a shear thickening material.
First Transistor That Mimics Brain Synapse
The Nexus Six phone will need a Nexus-6 brain.
Legged Squad Support System Monster BigDog Robot
A robotic pack mule for soldiers.
Implantable Energy-Harvesting Rubber Sheets
Take a deep breath, and power up that cell phone!
Bose Ride System Smooths Your Ride
Ride the spaceways - uh, roads - in comfort.
