Cockroaches inspiration behind future robots
Researchers are delving deeper into the neurological functioning
of the cockroach and trying to incorporate their quick and
precise movement in robots of the future
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Ask anyone who has ever tried to squash a skittering cockroach -
they're masters of quick and precise movement. And scientists are now
trying to incorporate this feature in robots of the future.
Tel Aviv University in Israel zoologist Prof Amir Ayali, says the
study of cockroaches has already inspired advanced robotics.
Robots have long been based on these six-legged houseguests, whose
nervous system is relatively straightforward and easy to study,
according to a Tel Aviv statement.
He and his fellow researchers are delving deeper into the
neurological functioning of the cockroach.
This, he says, will give engineers the information they need to
design robots with a more compact build and greater efficiency in terms
of energy, time, robustness and rigidity. Such superior robotics can be
even used to explore new terrain in outer space.
Prof Ayali says it's clear why robotics have been inspired by these
insects. A cockroach is supported by at least three legs at all times
during movement, which provides great stability.
"Not only do cockroaches arguably exhibit one of the most stable ways
to walk, called a tripod gate," he explains, "but they move equally
quickly on every kind of terrain. Their speed and stability is almost
too good to be true."
This research was recently presented at the International
Neuroethology conference in Spain as well as the Israeli Neuroscience
Meeting in December.
The Hindu
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