For most people, snakes seem uncomfortable and even threatening. However, Howie Choset has recognized in their smooth movements a means to save lives.
Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, Choset has spent many years developing snake-like robots that he hopes can slither through collapsed buildings to search for trapped individuals. Recently, Choset and a few students have created remote-controlled devices capable of climbing and crawling around pipes.
Rescue workers have stated that this type of robot will help locate survivors.
“Currently, the common method to extract trapped victims is by pulling out one brick at a time. Therefore, our dream is to have a snake robot crawl through the debris and reach victims more quickly.”
Dan Kara, owner of Robotics Trends, a company specializing in robot sales, noted that other types of snake robots are also being developed, mainly at universities, but he is unsure which products can climb pipes.
The crawling machine from Carnegie Mellon is equipped with cameras and electronic sensors, controlled by a remote. It will undulate with the help of small electric motors. Made from lightweight aluminum or plastic, the robot is about the size of a human arm or smaller.
Sam Stover, head of the search team at the Federal Emergency Management Agency, remarked that snake-shaped robots have better mobility than current equipment. Although dogs have an even better sense of smell, they can only be effective if rescuers can access the rubble.
Choset indicated that snake robots could be ready for deployment in 5-10 years, depending on funding. For now, he and his team will continue testing these machines in disaster areas nearby.
T. An
