Bio-inspired robotics

More specifically, this field is about making robots that are inspired by biological systems,[1] including Biomimicry.

Bio-inspired robotics is about studying biological systems, and looking for the mechanisms that may solve a problem in the engineering field.

Bio-inspired roboticists are usually interested in biosensors (e.g. eye), bioactuators (e.g. muscle), or biomaterials (e.g. spider silk).

The ability to increase traction is important for slip-free motion on surfaces such as smooth rock faces and ice, and is especially critical for moving uphill.

iSprawl is another hexapedal robot inspired by cockroach locomotion that has been developed at Stanford University.

The original version of this robot was pneumatically driven while the new generation uses a single electric motor for locomotion.

[17] Terrain involving topography over a range of length scales can be challenging for most organisms and biomimetic robots.

Several animals and insects including worms, snails, caterpillars, and snakes are capable of limbless locomotion.

The majority of snake-like robots use either lateral undulation or rectilinear locomotion and have difficulty climbing vertically.

Choset has recently developed a modular robot that can mimic several snake gaits, but it cannot perform concertina motion.

The focus of these robots is on the role of snake ventral scales on adjusting the frictional properties in different directions.

These robots can actively control their scales to modify their frictional properties and move on a variety of surfaces efficiently.

ETH Zurich has reported a soft jumping robot based on the combustion of methane and laughing gas.

Festo have also built the Aqua Ray and Aqua Jelly, which emulate the locomotion of manta ray, and jellyfish, respectively.In 2014, iSplash-II was developed by PhD student Richard James Clapham and Prof. Huosheng Hu at Essex University.

[43] The modular robots are typically capable of performing several tasks and are specifically useful for search and rescue or exploratory missions.

There are many different types of humanoid robots for applications such as personal assistance, reception, work at industries, or companionship.

These type of robots are used for research purposes as well and were originally developed to build better orthosis and prosthesis for human beings.