A researchers group in Japan has successfully developed a multi-tasking octopus robot. The robot has four crawlers and four arms and it is specifically designed to clear the 2011 quake-tsunami disaster's wreckage.
Waseda University's future robotics organization in collaboration with the Kikuchi Corporation designed this extraordinary robot. The robot is capable of saving lives along with clearing the rubble in complex terrain areas. The robot will also be able to work as fire extinguisher.
The octopus has 8 limbs, 70Kg weight, and 1.7m height. Researchers are expecting that the robot will be able to assist rescue teams in lifesaving of natives trapped in ruins of earthquake, tsunamis, fires etc. The Octopus robot will also facilitate in radioactive waste management and recycling systems.
According to the researchers, robots of this type usually perform a single task on flat terrain. However, this robot is equipped with four wheels and four crawlers along with having hydraulic capability. All these functionalities will allow Octopus to do multitasking even on complex and traverse terrains. Each of the four arms of Octopus can lift objects weighing up to 200Kg.
At present, the robot needs two operators but expectedly it will not require more than one operator in the future. The operators can operate it easily and efficiently from any remote location.
This robot was presented at Fukushima Disaster and Medical Welfare project conference in Japan.
