New Robot Expands 5X Length
New Fast Acting Soft Robots Expandable with High Speeds Source: Purdue University Bioinspired by Chameleons, Salamanders and Toads Researchers at Purdue University have invented a new class of high speed, soft robots and actuators. They are bio-inspired by the high speed, elastic motions of salamanders, chameleons and toads that launch their tongues in a tenth of a second to catch an insect. Purdue's new soft robot can catch a live, flying beetle in the same way, in a blink of an eye. This robotic innovation is big for potential use in accelerated automation. New Class of Soft Robots The Purdue scientists' new innovation is a new class of entirely soft robots and actuators. They are capable of recreating bioinspired high powered, high speed motion using stored elastic energy. They're composed of stretchable polymers like a rubber band with channels that expand with pressurization. Amazing Robotics This robot expands five times in length and