2m tall upright artificial robot snake with 28 muscles, 27 degrees of freedom and full posture control system.
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Merlin Robotics have built a 2m tall upright snake using 28 Merlin Air Muscles.
Months of research and development have culminated in the unveiling of the Merlin Robotics ‘Snake’ project at this week’s Emergent Objects and Performance Design Symposium that took place at the University of Leeds on December 17th.
Plymouth-based Merlin Robotics worked in association with Nottingham Trent University to produce this intriguing robotic snake that uses not only muscle actuation but also linear sensors to function.
A world first, the muscle actuation mechanism is breakthrough technology – the ‘muscles’ include built-in air valves which enable far greater control and scope for movement. Another world first is the snake’s absolute optical position sensors. These linear sensors are unique in the world of robotics as they are bus addressable and less susceptible to magnetic interference.
These two new technologies, combined with the software, enabled our robotics experts and Nottingham Trent University to create a world first in compliant robotics. The mechanisms will be able to be implemented into commercial applications.
The showcase event for this super serpent – the Emergent Objects and Performance Design Symposium – is the first of its kind, and is funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) as well as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
The vertical Snake has been created to function as an interactive piece of art. Standing nearly two metres high, the hypnotic swaying and writhing of the robotic reptile draws the observer in, enabling them to interact with this responsive sculpture.
The two universities, who became aware of Merlin Systems Corporation through their development of robot football, facilitated the creation of this art-meets-technology project. They were interested in the actuators' control system, and wanted to create something to showcase this - thus the idea was born.
“Merlin Robotics have been excellent partners to work with from day one. Their proactive approach and experience related to soft robotics enabled us to explore and develop challenging new ideas and concepts in advanced robotics. Merlin have provided and continue to provide excellent technical support as we further refine and develop this project .“ Dr Philip Breedon. College of Art and Design, Nottingham Trent University.
