Italy is not always at the rear of scientific and technological research, on the contrary. Today's news is the creation of the first flexible robot in the world, and it is an entirely Italian discovery.
In fact, the first patent to the world of a flexible robot, with a shape that resembles that of a snake: as can be seen from the photo, these are two "intertwined" structures that make it up and that allow it to stretch and curve, precisely avoiding any obstacle.
- usages future of the robot are many: it could be used in medicine, to reach a specific target in the human body, or even in space, to repair satellites or in search and rescue operations in difficult to access environments. The flexible robot was patented by the research group of Edoardo Sinibaldi, of the IIT Center for MicroBioRobotics in Pontedera (Pisa), in collaboration with the Institute of BioRobotics of the Sant'Anna School of Advanced Studies.
The robot is capable of build a guide through its own advancement, without using external supports. “We started from a theoretical study and the “intertwined” configuration that emerged as a possible solution to the problem is absolutely innovative – said Sinibaldi – and is the result of a long and detailed work, in which we have been able to integrate and enhance our skills and multicultural soul of our research team".
And for the future? In the next 3-5 years, the first models developed for specific applications may be on the market.
