Robot Worm By Leeds University Engineers To Aid In Rescue Operations

Leeds University engineers are building a search and rescue robotic worm which will help in rescue operations. The robotic worm will be able to navigate through the irregular gaps and holes in damaged buildings. The robot derives its inspiration from C. elegans - a multicellular nematode worm often used for research by biologists.

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Leeds University Robotic Worm

A team of engineers from Leeds University studied the worm carefully and discovered 302 fully mapped neurons which control worm's movement. Dr Jordan Boyle studied the worm in depth to come up with design and algorithm for the movement of the robotic worm. The robot worm measures 2 meters in length and motion is controlled by 12 geared DC motors. The motors have been mounted in such a fashion to control the left and right movement of the robot. The algorithms developed by engineers help the worm ‘implicitly adapt' to the surrounding by first analysing the environment and creating an internal interpretation of the same. The team is currently working on improving their structure and software. Following video shows the robotic worm in action:-



Via: #-Link-Snipped-#| Source: lutube.leeds.ac.uk