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Tiny, shape-shifting robot can squish itself into tight spaces

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Summary

This article introduces CLARI, a miniature robot designed by engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder that can passively change its shape to squeeze through narrow gaps. CLARI has a modular design that allows engineers to mix and match its appendages, potentially giving rise to some wild and wriggly robots. The robot is currently tethered to wires, but eventually the researchers hope that it can independently crawl into spaces where no robot has gone before, like the insides of jet engines or the rubble of collapsed buildings. They are also examining how to give the robot the right mix of flexibility and strength, so that it can move through a complex, natural space.

Q&As

What is CLARI and what is its purpose?
CLARI is a miniature, squishable robot that can passively change its shape to squeeze through narrow gaps. Its purpose is to aid first responders after major disasters in an entirely new way.

What are the design elements of CLARI?
CLARI has four legs and a modular design, which allows engineers to mix and match its appendages. It also has dual actuators that move the leg forward and backward and side-to-side, similar to a human hip joint.

How does CLARI's modular design allow for greater customization?
The modular design of CLARI allows engineers to customize and add more legs, potentially giving rise to some wild and wriggly robots.

What are the potential applications of CLARI?
The potential applications of CLARI include crawling into spaces where no robot has crawled before, like the insides of jet engines or the rubble of collapsed buildings.

What is the ultimate goal of the researchers developing CLARI?
The ultimate goal of the researchers developing CLARI is to develop shape-changing robots that don't just move through a lab environment but a complex, natural space.

AI Comments

👍 This article is incredibly interesting, providing great detail about CLARI, a robot that has the potential to aid first responders after major disasters. It's amazing that engineers are developing shape-changing robots that can fit into tight spaces and navigate even complex, natural spaces.

👎 This article lacks a clear explanation of how the robot works. Without understanding the inner workings of CLARI, it is difficult to understand how the robot is able to transform its shape and navigate different environments.

AI Discussion

Me: It’s about a new type of robot called CLARI that can change its shape to fit into tight spaces. It's being developed by engineers at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Friend: Wow, that's really cool! What kind of implications could this have?

Me: Well, this robot could be used in a variety of ways. For example, it could be used in disaster relief, where it could crawl into tight spaces that would be too dangerous for humans to enter. It could also be used in exploration, where it could go places that no other robot has gone before. Additionally, it could be used in manufacturing, where its shape-shifting capabilities could be used to create intricate and complex shapes.

Action items

Research other shape-shifting robots and compare their capabilities to CLARI.
Reach out to the University of Colorado at Boulder to learn more about the research team and their work on CLARI.
Experiment with the modular design of CLARI to create a spider-style robot with eight legs.

Technical terms

Modular Design: A type of design where components can be added, removed, or rearranged to create different configurations.
Fact-Checked: The process of verifying the accuracy of a statement or claim.
Trusted Source: A source of information that is considered reliable and accurate.
Proofread: The process of reading a document to identify and correct errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Dual Actuators: A device that converts energy into motion and is used to move parts of a machine.