We check in on three types of robots that imitate critters in order to serve people. The wonderfully named Scalybot 2 was built to resemble a snake in order to perform search and rescue operations. Georgia Tech researchers studied snakes to build it. No word on the presumably grim fate of Scalybot 1. Snakes are able to slither into all kinds of tight spaces while expending very little energy. Check out the video in the left sidebar.
Meanwhile, a fleet of hummingbird-like helicopter robots from the University of Pennsylvania can fly in perfect formation (check out the video below). You have GOT to watch it — tiny quadcopter robots flying in perfect formation. Especially at 1:22 when they do the figure 8. Bananas.
And researchers in Singapore have developed an itty-bitty crab-like robot that crawls into your stomach and rips out cancer cells with its hook and pincer. You know, just like real crabs. We have no video of that, but at least now you don’t have to throw up all over the place from having seen it.
Stories You Might Like
There’s a lot happening in the world. Through it all, Marketplace is here for you.
You rely on Marketplace to break down the world’s events and tell you how it affects you in a fact-based, approachable way. We rely on your financial support to keep making that possible.
Your donation today powers the independent journalism that you rely on. For just $5/month, you can help sustain Marketplace so we can keep reporting on the things that matter to you.
