Inspired by nature: Could bio mimicry robots help save the planet?

As we look to a future in which advanced robotics technologies are ever-more integrated with our everyday lives,  the idea that robots might help us protect the planet we live on is a particularly exciting prospect.  

While ‘robots saving the Earth’ sounds slightly farfetched, we’re now edging towards a reality in which machines could provide the assistance we need to solve a range of critical environmental challenges: challenges that humans alone aren’t equipped to solve, at the very least without putting ourselves in danger.

One example is in Search and rescue operations. In the face of natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes or wildfires, conditions are not only unpredictable and dangerous for humans but simply inaccessible in many cases. However, a robot of minuscule size, equipped with advanced intelligence technologies, can step up to the task and survey hard-to-access areas.

Many of today’s robotic solutions, whilst having the capability to tackle a range of environmental issues, are simultaneously looking to nature itself to provide inspiration for the qualities they need to do the job.