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Camera Controlled by an Amphibious Snake Robot: Design Inspired by Nature
by Eirik Solberg
on May 01 2013
A research group from Tokyo’s Institute of Technology have created an amphibious snake robot, that moves by twisting its individual body segments like a snake. It moves on land and glides through water with built-in wheels and paddles to propel its weight. And its flexible joints allow for easy twisting and turning, while keeping dirt and water out. This impressive robot has a multitude of uses as it can easily move through any terrain, making it an excellent search and rescue or surveillance tool. Just don’t bring it into a public pool as you might cause widespread panic lol.
Biorobotics Lab at CMU Creates Bio-inspired Snakebot
by Eirik Solberg
on Sep 20 2012
Watch as this snake-like robot slithers then coils its way up a tree!
The Biorobotics Lab at Carnegie Mellon University has created a bio-inspired Snakebot which mimics the motion of a snake, pushing the development of robots one step further. The team at CMU has focused on two models of Snakebots – one to traverse land, and the other for surgical use. Both varieties are equipped with a small camera located in the head and numerous moving joints that propel it forward. At this point, the Snakebots are tethered to a power source and are controlled by an operator, however scientist say it is not long before bots are completely wireless.
Developers plan to us the larger Snakebot which operates on land, to perform search and rescue missions, pipe inspections, and other tasks that are difficult or dangerous for people to explore. With the direction of an operator, the robot can coil around a tree or pipe and use the camera to observe its surroundings.
The medical Snakebot is basically a mini surgeon equipped with its own scalpel and forceps. The surgeon makes a keyhole incision then inserts the snake. The snake then navigated remotely by the doctor. The incision is smaller than the size of a US dime, reducing recovery time and making operation time faster. Thus making surgery less invasive and less expensive. Surgeons have already successfully tested the Snakebot on pigs and have begun trials on human tissue.
How do you feel about Snakebots doing the jobs of humans?
What type of OEM Cameras can we expect to see at the 2012 Olympics?
by Eirik Solberg
on Jul 26 2012
The 2012 Olympics are right around the corner, and we’re showing you what new photographic technology will be used at this summer’s games.
It’s that time again, the Summer Olympics are almost here. This summer London hosts the highly anticipated games, bringing the world’s top athletes together to compete for the gold. We wanted to know what OEM, or Original Equipment Manufactured Cameras, will show up. Well we found a few, and we like what we see so far!
Robotic cameras created by Reuters can go where photographers can’t during the event. As seen in the action shots above, they capture truly stunning images and movement. “I have been developing since the 2009 Athletics World Championships in Berlin a new technology, which enables Reuters sports photography to shoot pictures from unusual angles,” photographer Pawel Kopczynski says.
For the 2012 Olympics, these shots will be captured via robotic cameras mounted on roofing trusses and robotic mounts. The cameras will be controlled by an operator or photographer below who can adjust the zoom and angle by using a joystick.
To view the full article on Reuters Blog click here