Japan Unveils Snake-Like Robot

April 5, 2017 – A snake-like robot that is capable of scaling and descending steep steps has been developed by a group that includes The University of Electro-Communications (UEC) in Tokyo, it has been learned.

At a public unveiling at UEC yesterday, the climbing skills of the robot were demonstrated to onlookers, with the claim that it can overcome the highest inclines in the world, compared to any other robot. Specifically, it has been stated that the device is able to climb steps that are 1 meter high.

The machine is about 1.7 meters long, and weighs approximately 9 kilograms. The robot makes use of 17 joints in its main body as well as nine sets of wheels to move up and down stairs like a snake, and it also carries a sensor that is able to gauge inclines and the distances relating to steps and the ground. It can be operated with a wireless remote control and its ability to move in accordance with its front part makes it easy to use.

UEC associate professor Motoyasu Tanaka, who was involved in the development of the robot, states, “We do not want to stop at making something that copies the movements of living things. We want to go one step further and create a robot that can surpass natural movements.”