Robot can move forward or backward in a wave-like motion, moving much like a worm: Developed

Scientists have developed a three-dimensional (3D) robot that can move forward or backward in a wave-like motion. The robot can easily climb over obstacles, swim or crawl through unstable terrain like sand, grass and gravel.

This first single actuator wave-like robot (SAW) developed by researchers from Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU) in Israel has applications in medicine, security and search and rescue. The 3D-printed robot can move forward or backward in a wave-like motion, moving much like a worm.

“Researchers all over the world have been trying to create a wave movement for 90 years. We succeeded by finding a simple, unique solution that enables the robot to be built in different sizes for different purposes,” said David Zarrouk from BGU.

Zarrouk believes that SAW is easy to manufacture, strong, reliable, and energy efficient, which enables long-distance travel.

SAW requires barely any maintenance, which is very unusual for an almost completely 3D-printed prototype.  The findings were published in the journal Bioinspiration & Biomimetics