Snakes on a plane!
October 1, 2012
S7 snake robot with sensor suite including compass, pyroelectric heat and active infrared range sensors (credit: Dr. Gavin Miller, snakerobots.com)
Engineers at firms like Rolls-Royce and GE are developing “snake robots” with intelligent algorithms to find and repair problems in plane engines, New Scientist reports.
The slithering simulants would be about 12.5 millimeters (1/2 inch) in diameter, controlled by a technician as they are guided through the engine’s insides, beaming back images — a bit like telesurgery, a Rolls-Royce executive said.
Finding and fixing defects in planes is currently a complex. time-consuming, and very expensive process.
The wriggling robots would use UV lasers (to make the edges of blade fractures fluoresce) and a grinding tool to sand down things like damaged compressor blades, would be able to survive within the 2000 °C temperatures at running engines’ core. A prototype is scheduled for 2014.
Comments (5)
by Bruce Wright
Inside a running engine at 2000C?! Quite a hostile environment for small sensors and electronics – not to mention that if it doesn’t have a way to attach itself to something it could easily get sucked into the turbines. There are some significant technical challenges for this application, though they shouldn’t be insurmountable. The other things mentioned (searching rubble piles or fixing wiring) seem easier in many ways but do require better 3d mapping algorithms.
by Bri
Yea, I want to know how many times their proto type got sucked in and turned into confetti!!!!
by GatorALLin
This is where they can combine layers of cool technology with other items to create amazing things. Lets assume for a moment you can get a LIDAR mapping system hooked into this snake and then use it to use for search and rescue inside collapsed buildings or rubble piles. Use snakes like this to then check vital statistics, deliver water or IV and medical help until they can be dug out. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1108292587/99-lidar-project
by Bri
And furthermore, I propose a snake in every basement!!!! ( like a chicken in every pot.). They could perform all sorts of utilitary functions while the buildings are still standing.
by Bri
They need a much smaller version to fix wiring problems too.the spaces for wires to go through and the shear number of wires is mind boggling. Fixing faulty wiring is also a nightmare.