news> january 10>

Omnitread Search & Rescue Snake Bot

by Devin Coldewey | Submitted Friday Jan 01, 2010 [12:38 AM]


It’s not quite as endearing as the (also terrifying) BigDog, but the OmniTread robot does seem pretty useful. That is, if you don’t need to go fast. The bot is a specialist in navigating rubble and small spaces, and could help locate people trapped under collapsed buildings. There is a risk of them running in terror, but if they’re pinned it shouldn’t be a problem.

It’s designed by roboticists at the University of Michigan, and right now there aren’t any production plans. But if it were to prove itself in a quake or other disaster, they might find themselves with a government contract right quick.

From their published paper:
"The OmniTread serpentine robot comprises five segments, which are linked to each other by 2-degree-of-freedom joints. Moving tracks on all four sides of each segment assure propulsion even when the vehicle rolls over. The 2-DOF joints are actuated by pneumatic bellows, which produce sufficient torque to lift the two leading or trailing segments up and over obstacles."

Looks like a pretty good implementation, as long as it can get faster and quieter!




People who read this, also read...

---

• Snake-like Robot Conquers Obstacles
• Snake-arm robot works in tight quarters
• Robots Designed To Save Lives Of Construction Workers
• A Robomedic for the Battlefield
• Robot snakes slither forward

---

Tags:snake+robot  serpentine  USAR  exploration  U+Mich 

(http://www.crunchgear.com/2009/12/31/omnitread-a-terrifying-vibrating-go-anywhere-snakebot/)

---

back to top