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Robotic Revolution
February 22, 2001A revolutionary new concept in robotics which would give disabled people greater independence has
been developed by an expert at Staffordshire University.
The Flexibot is being developed by a team led by Professor Mike Topping from the Centre for
Rehabilitation Robotics.
According to Mike the snake-like device can perform an array of tasks around the home, such as
prepare and cook a meal; wash and shave a person’s face; or even vacuum clean carpets.
The multi-jointed Flexibot, which is powered by motors situated within the robot’s tube-like body,
would be able to move around a house like a caterpillar, clamping itself to series of pre-arranged portals placed along the walls, ceiling or floor.
When the Flexibot – which is able to adjust its length automatically to suite a particular task – reaches
the correct location it then clamps itself firmly to its portal to perform any pre-programmed or direct
control tasks with its flexible arm.
The concept, protected by a worldwide patent, is based partly on robotic engineering originally
devised as part of the space programme.
“This is a revolutionary concept. We are taking space age technology and using it to help the
disabled,” explained Mike, a recognised worldwide leader in robotic design.
“Scientists haven’t realised the full potential of robotic technology but I believe this system will provide
a breakthrough.
“The problem with traditional robot design is that machines are developed which take up a lot of floor
space and this poses problems for people who are wheelchair-users for example.
“What is really good about the Flexibot is that it doesn’t need floor space because it moves
independently around the house by crawling along the walls or ceiling.”
Mike said Flexibot could be applied to a multitude of tasks and would be of benefit to society in
general, both domestically and within industry.
With the appropriate attachments, the robot could be programmed to inspect bridges; mow lawns and
tend gardens; or even dive to great depths to work on submerged equipment and submarines.
Mike now needs support to develop the concept further and hopes to find a commercial backer or
industrial collaborator to turn the idea into reality.
Staffordshire University
prepare and cook a meal; wash and shave a person’s face; or even vacuum clean carpets.
The multi-jointed Flexibot, which is powered by motors situated within the robot’s tube-like body,
would be able to move around a house like a caterpillar, clamping itself to series of pre-arranged portals placed along the walls, ceiling or floor.
When the Flexibot – which is able to adjust its length automatically to suite a particular task – reaches
the correct location it then clamps itself firmly to its portal to perform any pre-programmed or direct
control tasks with its flexible arm.
The concept, protected by a worldwide patent, is based partly on robotic engineering originally
devised as part of the space programme.
“This is a revolutionary concept. We are taking space age technology and using it to help the
disabled,” explained Mike, a recognised worldwide leader in robotic design.
“Scientists haven’t realised the full potential of robotic technology but I believe this system will provide
a breakthrough.
“The problem with traditional robot design is that machines are developed which take up a lot of floor
space and this poses problems for people who are wheelchair-users for example.
“What is really good about the Flexibot is that it doesn’t need floor space because it moves
independently around the house by crawling along the walls or ceiling.”
Mike said Flexibot could be applied to a multitude of tasks and would be of benefit to society in
general, both domestically and within industry.
With the appropriate attachments, the robot could be programmed to inspect bridges; mow lawns and
tend gardens; or even dive to great depths to work on submerged equipment and submarines.
Mike now needs support to develop the concept further and hopes to find a commercial backer or
industrial collaborator to turn the idea into reality.
Staffordshire University
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Not just birds, but also a few species of bats face a long journey every year. Researchers at Princeton University in the U.S. and at the Max Planck Institute for Ornithology in Radolfzell, Germany studied the migratory behaviour of the largest extant family of bats, the so-called "Vespertilionidae" with the help of mathematical models.
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Supervolcano eruption -- in Sumatra -- deforested India 73,000 years ago
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Is global warming unstoppable?
In a provocative new study, a University of Utah scientist argues that rising carbon dioxide emissions - the major cause of global warming - cannot be stabilized unless the world's economy collapses or society builds the equivalent of one new nuclear power plant each day.
Scientists at UA, collaborating institutions decode maize genome
Scientists from the University of Arizona led by Arizona Genomics Institute director Rod A. Wing and from collaborating institutions have deciphered the complete genetic code of the maize plant for the first time.
New Maize Map to Aid Plant Breeding Efforts
In a massive survey of genetic diversity in maize, also known as corn, researchers across the United States, have developed a gene map that should pave the way to significant improvements in a plant that is a major source of food, fuel, animal feed and fiber around the world.
'Hobbits' are a new human species -- according to the statistical analysis of fossils
Researchers from Stony Brook University Medical Center in New York have confirmed that Homo floresiensis is a genuine ancient human species and not a descendant of healthy humans dwarfed by disease.
Research challenges for understanding landscape changes identified
Nine research challenges and four research initiatives that are poised to advance the study of how Earth's landscapes change were unveiled today in a new report by the National Research Council.
Scientists Unravel Evolution of Highly Toxic Box Jellyfish
With thousands of stinging cells that can emit deadly venom from tentacles that can reach ten feet in length, the 50 or so species of box jellyfish have long been of interest to scientists and to the public. Yet little has been known about the evolution of this early branch in the animal tree of life.
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