Octopus-inspired grasper gets it right by mimicking mucus

A new octopus-sucker-inspired suction cup could make it much easier and more energy-efficient for robots to lift and release rough-surfaced objects. The secret lies in using water to mimic octopus mucus.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: University… Continue reading Octopus-inspired grasper gets it right by mimicking mucus

Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Penguins are fast, fantastic swimmers, so why not make an underwater robot inspired by them? That’s just what German underwater tech company EvoLogics has done, with its new-and-improved Quadroin AUV (autonomous underwater vehicle).Continue ReadingCate… Continue reading Video: Bio-inspired aquatic robot shoots through the water like a penguin

Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

A new underwater robot can swim through the water with fins, and walk or crawl along the bottom when necessary. These capabilities could really give it a leg up – pun fully intended – at outperforming its traditional thruster-powered counterparts.Conti… Continue reading Video: Multi-talented underwater robot uses fins to swim, walk and crawl

Biomimetic propeller brings whale-like flow to hubless marine e-drive

French electric marine drive specialist BlueNav is preparing to put a more natural spin in its lineup. The all-new Whale Design propeller features blades that follow the contours of a whale to improve system efficiency. The unique propeller is set to d… Continue reading Biomimetic propeller brings whale-like flow to hubless marine e-drive

Origami robo-snake slithers toward the future of search and rescue ops

Danish scientists have developed an origami snake robot that could one day search for survivors at disaster sites, or even explore other planets. The device moves via rectilinear locomotion, just like real snakes often do.Continue ReadingCategory: Robo… Continue reading Origami robo-snake slithers toward the future of search and rescue ops

New 3D-printing ink changes color for different parts of one print job

Scientists have created a 3D-printing media that can take on different colors in different parts of a single print job. The secret lies in utilizing ultraviolet light to selectively alter the surface structure of the material as it’s being dispensed.Co… Continue reading New 3D-printing ink changes color for different parts of one print job

Robot built with ‘insect brain’ can zip around obstacles with ease

In an age of increasingly advanced robotics, one team has well and truly bucked the trend, instead finding inspiration within the pinhead-sized brain of a tiny flying insect in order to build a robot that can deftly avoid collisions with very little ef… Continue reading Robot built with ‘insect brain’ can zip around obstacles with ease

Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust

French startup FinX was founded on the idea that the best way to preserve nature is to look to it for inspiration. Toward that end, it’s developed an outboard motor that allows boats to move through the water more naturally and efficiently, similar to … Continue reading Biomimetic electric outboard ditches propeller for fin-driven thrust