Scientists build robot that can crawl, camouflage itself and hide

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/scientists-build-robot-that-can-crawl-camouflage-itself-and-hide/story-e6frg6so-1226452436354

SCIENTISTS in the US say they have devised a rubbery robot, inspired by the squid and octopus, which can crawl, camouflage itself and hide from infrared cameras.

The Pentagon-backed gadget is the latest type of a so-called soft machine, meaning silicone-based robots that are made from squidgy, translucent polymers.

The prototype incorporates a thin sheet of special silicone with microscopic channels through which coloured fluids are pumped so that the robot’s “skin” mimics the colours and patterns of the surrounding environment.

By pumping heated or cooled liquids into the microchannels, the researchers can also mask the robot thermally so that its infrared signature does not stand out against a cold or hot background.

The prototype is a four-legged entity, 13cm long.

Its limbs are splayed out in the form of an X and, using compressed air, flex like a child’s toy, enabling the little machine to crawl forward with a lurching left-right movement.

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following on from the worm we have the 4 legged octopus thingy..i seriously dont know where this ends..it probably doesn’t..their ingenuity combined with evil is astounding..

401

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~ by seeker401 on August 20, 2012.