Amphibious robots are nothing new, with several existing models for use in different applications. However, the speed of these robots has been limited due to their complex mechanisms. To resolve this problem, researchers from the Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Israel have developed a new amphibious robot called AmphiSAW, the undulating movements of salamanders, snakes, and centipedes inspire that. This new robot is faster than its predecessors and more efficient.
Measuring 51.3 cm long by 16.4 cm wide and weighing 1,245 grams, the AmphiSAW robot comprises a head module, a vertically undulating tail, two floats, and an electronically steerable rudder at the rear. The head module contains three motors, a battery, a microcontroller, a GPS unit, and a radio receiver. This allows the robot to move across both land and water effectively.
To move on land, the robot utilizes the centipede-like movements of its flexible tail, which undulates back and forth. This motion propels the robot forward and allows it to achieve a speed of up to 34 cm/s. To move through the water, the robot uses the snake-like undulating movements of its tail, which creates a wave-like pattern in the water. This allows the robot to travel up to 42 cm/s.
The AmphiSAW robot is a significant breakthrough as it provides a faster and more efficient way of moving across both land and water. The robot’s mechanism is simple and cost-effective, making it suitable for various applications such as search and rescue, surveillance, exploration, and pollution monitoring. The researchers are also looking into improving the robot’s performance and making it more autonomous.
Overall, the AmphiSAW robot shows great potential and is a significant step forward in the amphibious robotics field. Its ability to efficiently move on both land and water makes it an ideal candidate for a range of applications. The researchers hope that the robot could become an effective tool in both commercial and military fields with further development.