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iRobot Introduces Morphing Blob Robot

Posted by kdawson on from the compare-to-doctor-johnson's-dog dept.

Aristos Mazer sends word of research out of iRobot on a "chembot," or morphing blob robot, that looks like dough and moves by shifting its sides from solid-like to liquid-like states. This will allow it, in theory and after lots of refinement, to pass through cracks by squeezing. iRobot calls the new technique "jamming." The research project was funded by DARPA. The video clearly shows the early stage the work is in, but when you think about it the possibilities are a little unsettling.

2 of 177 comments (clear)

  1. What I want.... by mark-t · · Score: 5, Interesting

    ... is a small robot vacuum a lot like the Roomba that can *ALSO* automatically empty its canister into a larger bin whenever the vacuum is full.

    --
    File under 'M' for 'Manic ranting'
  2. Re:Medical applications by Jahava · · Score: 4, Interesting

    There are some basic problems with this - specifically, iRobot's demonstration uses the addition and removal of air to control both size and hardness. In bodily cavities, not only would air be in limited supply, but in some areas (i.e. blood stream) it's downright not welcome!