What's happened
Recent advancements in robotics have led to the development of two innovative robots: RAVEN, a bird-like flying robot, and a manta ray-inspired swimming robot. Both designs enhance movement efficiency and versatility, showcasing the potential of biomimicry in engineering. These robots aim to explore challenging environments like asteroids and oceans.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Vishwam Sankaran from The Independent, the RAVEN robot utilizes bird-like legs to achieve a jumping takeoff, enhancing its flight capabilities. This design allows it to transition to flight quickly, which is crucial for navigating obstacles. In contrast, the manta ray-inspired robot developed by Professor Jie Yin at North Carolina State University has achieved a speed of 6.8 body lengths per second, significantly improving upon its predecessor's performance. Yin noted that the new design allows for swimming at various depths, showcasing its versatility. Both articles emphasize the potential of these robots for future exploration missions, with The Independent highlighting the importance of adapting to low-gravity environments, while Ars Technica focuses on the innovative engineering behind RAVEN's design.
How we got here
The exploration of asteroids and underwater environments has prompted researchers to develop robots that can navigate these challenging terrains. Previous successes with robotic designs have inspired new innovations, focusing on efficiency and adaptability in movement.
More on these topics