The SAW robot. Credit: Image courtesy of American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev
Applications in medicine, homeland security, search and rescue. The first single actuator wave-like robot (SAW) has been developed by engineers at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU). The 3D-printed robot can move forward or backward in a wave-like motion, moving much like a worm would in a perpendicular wave.
SAW can climb over obstacles or crawl through unstable terrain like sand, grass and gravel, reaching a top speed of 22.5 inches/s, 5X faster than similar robots. Its minimalistic mechanical design produces an advancing sine wave with a large amplitude, using only a single motor with no internal straight spine. “Researchers all over the world have been trying to create a wave movement for 90 years,” says Dr. David Zarrouk, BGU.
“We succeeded by finding a simple, unique solution that enables the robot to be built in different sizes for different purposes. For example, it can be scaled up for search and rescue and maintenance, or miniaturized to a diameter of 1cm or less to travel within the human body for medical purposes, such as imaging and biopsies of the digestive system.”
The robot’s innovative wave movement also enables it to climb through tunnels at a rate of 8cm/s when touching both sides. A waterproof version can swim at 6cm/s. By adding spiny traction enhancers to each link, the team was able to propel the robot 13% faster than its own wave speed.
Dr. Zarrouk, who has been developing robots with a minimalistic and high-performance approach for many years, claims SAW is easy to manufacture, strong, reliable, and energy efficient, which enables long-distance travel. “”The robot requires barely any maintenance, which is very unusual for an almost completely 3D-printed prototype that’s this dynamic,” Zarrouk says. “I believe it will be useful for traveling through the intestine for 3imaging and biopsies, and for infiltrating problematic, complex security areas, such as tunnels, destroyed buildings and pipes.”
SAW video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w25zF1bWx5o
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