The robotic rat that could save lives
SCIENTISTS have unveiled a pioneering robotic rat that could be used to search through rubble and burning buildings for survivors – using only its whiskers.
The Scratchbot uses latest state-of-the-art technology to hunt through pitch black or smoke-filled rooms by relying solely on touch sensors located on a set of whiskers.
It could have massive implications in search and rescue missions by picking its way through rubble and debris or help in mine-clearing operations.
Researchers from the University of Bristol and University of Sheffield have spent six years and 500,000 painstakingly researching and designing the robotic rat, which could revolutionise rescue missions.
The project was inspired by the use of touch in the animal kingdom – specifically how rats explore their environments using whiskers in poorly-lit places. The rodents can determine the texture, position and shape of objects using rhythmic sweeping movements of their whiskers.
Email to a friend
Print this page- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- Police investigate death of man, 31, on West Highland Way
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Leveson inquiry: Tony Blair defends links with Rupert Murdoch
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
- Scottish independence: I don’t want ‘separatism’ says Sir Tom Farmer
- The Rumour Mill: Monday’s football news and gossip
- Craig Levein insists Scotland will recover from US thrashing
- James McPake set for Coventry talks as Hibs wait in wings
- Scottish independence: Labour voters ‘will deliver independence’
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Edinburgh
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 14 C
Wind Speed: 13 mph
Wind direction: North east
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: North east
