A Robot Scorpion Able to Withstand Harsh Desert Conditions

The DARPA also known as Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency found in United
States is currently working to develop a robot scorpion. But out of all the possible choices they
could make, why did they choose scorpion?

The main reason is that the robot they are going to create is to operate in the dessert and
would be tested by the harsh experiences in the dessert. Scorpions ever since their creation have
actually survived different weather conditions in the dessert. They can also move over obstacles
and has reflexes that are much simpler compared to other animals. As for the researchers and
developers of the robot, it would be harder to create a robot if their model would have complex
reflexes. It would just make the process of imitating more complicated and longer thus making
the scorpion a good choice being the robot’s model. The robot scorpion has two ultrasonic
sensors that could sense obstacles along the way and avoid them. It also has a camera in its tail
that can send images of the location where it currently is. DARPA is hoping that this robot
scorpion could reach a target and come back to the sender entirely on its own—without receiving
any directions from the sender. With the trials held in Arizona, The U.S Army was greatly
impressed. They are wishing that after more developments, this robot scorpion can be used in
battlefields especially when identifying or locating mines.

This robot scorpion would be a great help not only to battlefields but would also open new
possibilities in the world on robots.
Gecko’s Feet Open New Technological Horizons

Geckos run very fast up the walls and ceilings. But how? Did you ever wonder how they do
that? The researchers did. After years of research, they found out it is because of their feet.
Geckos’ feet have tiny hair-like structures call setae. Inside the setae are still thinner hair-like
structures called spatulae. Just imagine hair-like structures still having another hair-like
structures in them.

Gecko’s foot

It was actually Aristotle who first discovered that Geckos can run up and down vertical
surfaces. But it was only until recently that they found out the reason behind this. Geckos’ feet
generate an adhesive force 600 times greater than of friction. This makes it so powerful and
strong. The adhesive from Geckos’ feet can also be used in medical applications such as holding
slick body part especially in nanosurgery.

The Gecko-like robots are designed just like the real geckos. They can run up vertical
surfaces as well. This kind of robots could be used in underwater and work in vacuum as well
thus making it possible to be used in space after further developments. It could also be used to
climb a burning building.