I’m sorry, but instant death by sudden penetration of a recoiling swarm of caterpillar robots is not my idea of a enjoyable science experiment. Even if cake was involved. Nevertheless, an ambitious group of researchers at Tuft University are fascinated at the possibility of using Biomemtrics to capture the “balistic rolling” action of the Crambidea caterpillar family. The GoQBot is the 4″ long amalgamation of all that thought and research.
GoQBot is made of silicone rubber which flexes when the embedded shape memory alloy coils trigger the rolling action (see another vid here). It has five infrared emitters on its side so the researchers can see how it moves with a 3D motion-tracking system. – CNET
The barebones (video) reveal of the biologically-inspired creature is a bit clumsy, but here, shown in glowing green and pink… in the dark *shiver*, is a site powerful enough to make you squirm in and out of your nightmares. On the brighter, less deadly side, it’s interesting how this this could lead to new technologies in propulsion, movement and energy absorption.
The GoQBot specs:
Push off time: <250ms
Push-off velocity: ~0.6 m/s
Angular velocity: 300 rpm
Distance covered: 9.8 in (25cm)/roll
Source: CNET
