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Robot snake that moves like a sidewinder could inspect sewage pipes

A robot that mimics the motion of snakes can undulate in S-shaped bends or roll in spirals

By Alex Wilkins

15 March 2023

New Scientist Default Image

The robot snake sidewinding

Dimuthu D. K. Arachchige et al 2023/CC

A robot snake that can slither across the ground could be used for rescue tasks or inspecting hard-to-reach places.

Snakes can get around in different ways. When on flat, slippery ground like a desert, some move by sidewinding, in which they undulate in a series of S-shaped bends. This can help by minimising their contact with the hot ground.

In more complex environments, they can roll in a spiral motion, which helps them avoid touching sections of the ground with their body. Until now, combining these movements …

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