Underwater exploration may become easier in the future thanks to a new prototype crab-like robot invented by a University of Bath postgraduate student. The robot can also move about on land and further development is planned for fully amphibious operation below water.
The technology has potential in the oil and gas industry, marine research or any companies that require independent underwater vehicles. The design of the robot is closely based on the anatomy of crabs, animals that can walk both on land and underwater.
The robot can also vary its walking speed by changing stride length, just as crabs do in Nature, whilst maintaining the same motor speed.
University of Bath
www.bath.ac.uk
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Filed Under: Motion control • motor controls