CMU Snake Robot Learns to Swim | Robotics Research

Carnegie Mellon’s Snake Robot Gains Aquatic Capabilities

The snake robot has long been a prominent fixture within the robotics research facilities at Carnegie Mellon University. Each visit to the institution reveals the biomimetic robot has acquired yet another innovative skill. This week, the university announced the addition of swimming to its repertoire.

Initial testing commenced last month within one of CMU’s swimming pools. The snake robot was equipped with newly designed housing specifically engineered for underwater operation. Development of this capability began in July of the previous year. Professor Howie Choset remarked, “We are pleasantly surprised by the rapid success of this robot.” He attributed this achievement to the system’s modular design and the expertise of the CMU team.

Introducing the HUMRS

The Hardened Underwater Modular Robot Snake (HUMRS) was created with funding from a grant provided by the Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing (ARM) Institute.

In its land-based configuration, the snake robot excels at navigating confined spaces, such as pipes, which are often inaccessible to conventional robotic systems. This same functionality extends to its underwater operation. The development team is currently exploring potential applications within the Defense Department.

Specifically, the robot could be utilized for inspecting submarines, ships, and other marine vessels to identify potential structural damage. Its unique form factor allows access to areas difficult for other inspection methods.

Beyond Military Applications

The potential uses for this technology extend beyond defense. Inspections of oil rigs, storage tanks, and underwater pipelines represent further areas of application.

The robot’s adaptability and maneuverability make it a valuable tool for a wide range of underwater inspection and maintenance tasks.