Because roaches aren’t gross enough, researchers at UC Berkeley’s Biomimetic Millisystems Lab have developed CLASH, a robot that can climb vertically up cloth. For years, we thought that the robotic hordes would be held at bay by our loose fabric and upholstered funiture. No more.
What gives CLASH its climbing power are the tiny spikes on its feet, which grip into loose fabric and let the bot climb upward. Though its motions are decidedly roach-like, and give me the heaves, it is the cleverest aspect of this little robot. Each leg is connected to the single motor through a series of linkages, meaning that it is simple, durable, and efficient. The onboard electronics and battery are also configured into a “tail,” giving CLASH some added balance.
If you’re not easily repulsed by skittering robots, check out the video below.
(via IEEE Spectrum)
