What is NASA's Snake-Like Robot?
NASA’s Snake-Like Robot is an innovative and revolutionary invention by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) that aims to facilitate and advance space exploration. This robot, which was also nicknamed “The Drill Snake”, is able to move, twist, and wiggle its way into tight spaces, making it an invaluable tool that can be used for a variety of purposes.
History of the Snake-Like Robot
The Snake-Like Robot was first developed and designed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) engineer Adriano Pendin in 2020, and its purpose was to build a robot that would be able to navigate and maneuver into tight and hard-to-access spots. JPL wanted to create a more efficient and precise way of conducting inspections and other tasks on space-based machinery and parts than the traditional methods of using a robotic arm.
The robot is made from 38 modular robotic segments, each consisting of a core and two external plates connected using seven micromotors. This configuration is designed to allow the snake to move, twist, and wiggle its way through tight spaces. The robot is programmed with an onboard controller and computer power, making it a semi-autonomous and self-sufficient machine that is capable of making its own decisions. It is also fitted with light sensors which enable it to detect its environment, allowing it to find its way around an area without any external guidance.
This robotics technology has various applications, such as inspections of pipes, rocket engines, and other equipment. It is also capable of collecting samples from underwater or in caves. The robot can be used to investigate potential damage and report back to base, and it is even equipped to rescue people who are stuck in difficult-to-access places such as caves. This makes the Snake-Like Robot an invaluable tool for advancing space exploration.
Since its invention, the Snake-Like Robot has undergone several tests and trials, and has been found to have impressive maneuverability. In 2021, the robot successfully completed a mission to inspect the interior of a small mock-up spacecraft module, and two years later it accomplished a mission to inspect the radiator pipes of a large aircraft. During these missions, the robot demonstrated its ability to access the tight areas of the target objects and made accurate and precise measurements of them.
Design and Construction of the Snake-Like Robot
The Snake-Like Robot measures over 4 meters and consists of 38 modular robotic segments. Each segment is made from a core and two external plates that are connected using seven micromotors. These micromotors are activated in order to cause the snake-like movement which allows it to slither and contort itself into tight spaces. The core of the robot is also fitted with six strain-measuring sensors to measure the force applied on it and this is then used to measure how tightly it can encircle the target object during inspection.
The robot is programmed with an onboard controller and computer power, making it a semi-autonomous and self-sufficient machine that is capable of making its own decisions. The robot is also fitted with light sensors which enable it to detect its environment. This means that it can find its way around an area without any external guidance.
Purpose of the Snake-Like Robot
Main purpose of the Snake-Like Robot is for inspection and maintenance of space-based systems and components. The robot is designed in such a way that it can crawl and contort itself into tight spots and is able to make precise measurements of what it finds. This makes it invaluable for inspecting spaces which are not accessible by traditional methods, such as inspections of pipes, rocket engines, and other equipment. The robot also has the potential for use as a rescue robot, as its ability to twist and contract means it could be used to rescue people that are stuck in tight spaces such as caves.
The Snake-Like Robot also has the potential to be used for research purposes. For example, it could be used to collect samples from inaccessible places such as underwater or in caves, and it could essentially become a scout robot to explore new places. It can also be used to inspect machinery on spacecraft or satellites and to investigate potential damage and report back to base.
How the Snake-Like Robot will Advance Future Space Exploration
The Snake-Like Robot is a revolutionary invention that has the potential to revolutionize space exploration. By enabling robotic solutions to be used to inspect and repair parts and systems in space, the Robot will allow humans to further explore and access difficult-to-reach parts of the universe.
As this robot is semi-autonomous and capable of making its own decisions, it could be used to explore and investigate parts of space without any direct human intervention. This would allow for greater exploration in a shorter period of time and less risk to human astronauts. It would also enable space exploration to be conducted more accurately and efficiently, as it could provide real-time data to base during its inspection or search and rescue missions.
A Futuristic Way to Mine and Explore Different Planets’ Caves Has Arrived!
The Snake-Like Robot from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory is a revolutionary invention that promises to revolutionize space exploration. This robot is able to twist and move itself into tight spaces, making it invaluable for inspections and repairs. It is also semi-autonomous, allowing it to explore and investigate areas with no direct human contact, and it can provide real-time data during space missions. This could be invaluable for future space exploration, as it would allow for more efficient and accurate exploration, and less risk to human astronauts.