Vine-like robot that ‘grows’ towards heat could put out fires
A vine-like segmented robot that is attracted to heat could be used to autonomously extinguish fires without the need for costly and complex electronics
Technology
31 January 2023
An infrared camera reveals how this robot can grow towards a heat source on its right Charles Xiao et al.
A vine-like robot can steer itself towards a source of heat without sensors, batteries or motors. The technology could be used to create smart hosepipes that approach a burning building or forest fire and steer themselves towards the flames.
Charles Xiao at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his colleagues have created a device about 2 metres long with dozens of segments. The team’s robot mimics the way that vines and roots use …