Snake-like robot helping to save lives
The snake-like robot from ETH Zurich can grow up to 100 metres.
With its unusual method of locomotion, a snake-like robot can extend itself up to 100 metres and reach places otherwise inaccessible to humans and drones.
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Over the years, the Autonomous Systems Lab at ETH Zurich has produced many quirky robots that can roll, swim, walk or even fly. The lab, headed by professor Roland Siegwart, is world-renowned for its pioneering innovations and successful start-ups in the field of autonomous robotics. Successful solutions such as Wingtra, ANYbotics and Ascento Robotics have made the transition from research to industry. Its next project, the RoBoa snake-like robot, is now close to market launch.
Pneumatic design to move around
According to the ETH researchers, the autonomous snake-like robot, which was originally developed as part of a student focus project, can squeeze through narrow spaces thanks to its 3D steering and adaptability in order to help disaster victims who may be trapped. RoBoa has a soft fabric tube body and is propelled by compressed air through the continuous eversion of a flexible tube. This results in forward movement on a variety of surfaces. It does not matter if the surface is dry, wet, sticky or dirty. The robot snake can move on almost any surface.
Reaching up to 100 metres to navigate gaps and pipes
The current robot body prototype, which is 20 metres long, can be extended to around 100 metres according to the researchers. This is the maximum length whereby locomotion can be ensured by the folding mechanism. The pneumatic design also eliminates the possibility of sparking, thus preventing explosions in hazardous environments. The diameter of the body can be adjusted to allow the robot to squeeze through narrow gaps of between 5 and 10 cm.
The extended eye and mouth
In addition to a microphone, loudspeakers and a supply hose for delivering water and liquid food during rescue operations, sensors on board collect environmental data that can be transmitted in real time. This makes RoBoa ideal for inspecting tanks, sewers and pipes. The robot's camera system is used for visual inspection. The snake-like robot is controlled by an operator using a joystick.
RoBoa is one of the finalists for the Swiss Technology Award 2024 in the Inventors category, the most important prize for innovation and technology transfer in Switzerland.