In modern engineering, the use of robots made from both rigid and soft components is becoming increasingly popular. Such robots, known as modular eel robots, are already proving to have immense potential in many industries, from medicine to manufacturing.
Modular eel robots involve constructing a series of connected deformable elements. Developed by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers, the robots are made from soft and rigid parts that, when connected together, create a flexible structure which is capable of performing complex exercises and actions. The robots are designed to resemble a type of eel, which allows them to move swiftly through confined spaces, perform complex tasks in tight spaces, and maintain a variety of positions.
The design of the modular eel robot allows it to carry out complex tasks without compromising the structural integrity of the robot. For example, the robot can move and bend in different directions and can easily fit in small or tight spaces. This is particularly useful in medical operations, where a robot needs to access areas of the body that are hard to reach and otherwise too delicate for human hands to safely access.
Additionally, the use of a combination of soft and rigid materials makes the design of the modular eel robot a more efficient one. By combining the flexibility of soft materials with the rigidity of a hard frame, the robot can be more resistant to external forces, and thus be better equipped to sustain and maintain the integrity of its structure for a longer period of time.
All in all, the design of modular eel robots is a genius combination of both soft and rigid components. By combining their respective benefits and features, these robots are capable of performing tasks that are, traditionally, too complicated or difficult for human hands. The applications of these robots are widespread and can be used in a variety of different contexts, from medical operations to manufacturing.