NecroboticsNew fields bring new opportunities.
After briefly looking into the hydraulic mechanisms behind the walk of a spider, I wanted to know: is there an optimal size for a cadaver to maximize its strength?
Furthermore, how far can we take this necrobot?
Full research paper coming soon…
In recent years, Rice University published a study detailing the development of a new field.
Necrobotics, or the study of dead organisms as robotic components, may hold the answer to closing the gap in technological development between countries and an alternative to excessive metal waste and energy consumption.
As an intrigued senior in high school, I decided to expand on this study.
This study aims to find the optimal femur length for maximizing the strength of the spider cadaver, like the one you see to the right.
It may be important to note that the goal of this work at the moment isn’t to solve a major problem, but instead to develop this specific field further. Placing a solid foundation for the understanding of cadaver viability in the context of hydraulics can open up endless possibilities for use.
Think about it. Wildlife researchers want to study something up close? The best way to camouflage a camera as a spider… is to use a spider! What about picking up very delicate, light, and small items? We can’t depend on our clunky aluminum arms, but the fine hairs on a spider’s legs never fail. Not to mention this would cost only a fraction of the price of manufacturing a robot out of traditional materials. And when all is said and done, it can be returned to nature with no consequences.
