Blobby shape-shifting robot can squeeze itself through cracks [I Heart Tech]

iRobot, the creators of the Roomba, working along with DARPA have invented a blob-like robot that can change its shape in order to squeeze through cracks. The scrotum-like robot uses the "jamming of a granular medium to achieve locomotion". Jamming is a mechanism that allows material to change from a solid state to a liquid-like state, says the team. In this robot design, a mixture of air and loosely packed particles are held within an elastic skin. By pulling out the air, the team can change the shape and size of the robot and also make it move.

Via: Wired UK


Odd's picture

Mark My Words....

Submitted by Odd on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 08:17.

Asimov is prophesying, even the Wachowski's did it. We are to eager to create robotic life. Lets work on our own lives first.

 

I know this cool for the tech and all, but I seriously fear we will be the architects of our own destruction.

—

www.madworldradio.com

zero's picture

i agree

Submitted by zero on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 10:11.

they are advancing techonology which is great but there are other issues at hand

—

Greedo shot first!

Severitas's picture

Skynet

Submitted by Severitas on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 11:44.

is coming to fruition.  I believe some tech will be very beneficent to humanity, this is not one.  Lets work on clean power, desalination, and other useful tech before this sort of thing.  And... fuck you DARPA, you create weapons primarily used for the slaying of human beings.

jrodcole's picture

fucking DARPA.

Submitted by jrodcole on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 12:20.

there is a military communications system in UK called SKYNET lol

boobage's picture

Fixx...

Submitted by boobage on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 08:40.

UR FACE!

jrodcole's picture

well

Submitted by jrodcole on Thu, 10/15/2009 - 14:33.

something tells me when this technology becomes more wide spread.. there is gonna be a sweet robot sex toy coming out

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