Researchers at the University of Tartu are developing a small, spider-like robot designed to perform delicate movements with enhanced dexterity. This innovative project, inspired by the natural movements of spiders, aims to create robots capable of navigating complex environments, such as disaster zones, to assist in rescue operations.
Indrek Must, an associate professor of soft robotics at the University of Tartu's Institute of Technology, keeps crickets in his office for inspiration. However, the primary focus of his research is on a robot leg modeled after the cucumber green spider, a common species in Estonia. These "pherobots" (pheromone robots) mimic the external skeleton and joint structure of a spider's leg, providing a new approach to robotic movement.
"A spider is essentially a large container filled with liquid," Must explained. "This container is used to move around, so we mimicked one of the joints in the spider's leg." His team is studying the fluids within spiders' bodies in collaboration with the Bioinspired Soft Robotics research group from the Italian Institute of Technology. The rigid exoskeleton of a spider traps fluid inside, allowing for flexible movement—a quality that current robotics lack.
Kadri-Ann Valdur, a junior researcher in technology, emphasized the importance of bioinspiration. "For bioinspiration, it makes sense to look at what evolution has achieved over billions of years and take the best functional elements," she said. The team aims to combine the most useful aspects of various species with existing technical solutions, rather than merely imitating a specific organism.
During her internship at the Italian Institute of Technology, Valdur 3D-printed the outer skeleton of a robot leg. The robotic foot includes a muscle for movement, a tendon connecting the muscle to the exoskeleton, and an electrolyte solution that conducts electricity. This solution provides the robot leg with its flexibility and dexterity.
"Spiders are particularly adept at moving in nature and complex environments, such as disaster areas and rubble," Must noted. The movement of soft robots is a result of their construction and composition, making them well-suited for navigating these challenging environments.
Valdur highlighted the robot's ability to interact delicately with natural objects like flowers and flower buds, demonstrating its potential for intricate tasks.
The research by Indrek Must and Kadri-Ann Valdur has been published in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, showcasing their groundbreaking work in enhancing the flexibility and dexterity of soft robotics through bioinspiration. This development holds promise for various applications, including search and rescue missions in disaster-stricken areas.
