Inchworms inspire stretchy wormlike robots

Developed by engineers at Glasgow University, the wormlike robots can stretch up to nine times their own length and are capable of a form of proprioception, which is the method used by biological organisms to perceive their position in space. That ability allows the robot worms to squeeze into areas that conventionally rigid robots cannot reach.

According to Glasgow University, the researchers hope that their breakthrough could lead to a new generation of robots capable of autonomously exploring difficult-to-reach places. It is claimed they could find applications in mining, construction or even in disaster relief to search for survivors trapped in rubble.

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Their technology could also be used in developing more lifelike prosthetics, or equipping robots with the ability to wrap around and lift irregularly-shaped heavy objects.

The development builds on previous research from Glasgow University’s Bendable Electronics and Sensing Technologies (BEST) group, which embeds flexible electronics into deformable surfaces.