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
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 …