Inspired by the movement of worms, Dr. Tan and his research team developed a robotic system that can navigate corrugated agricultural drainage pipes by exploiting their ridged structure for locomotion. As the robot stretches and contracts through underground pipes, it evaluates their physical condition to enable early detection of potential issues, helping reduce repair costs for farmers. The robot can also measure nutrient concentrations in the water flowing through the pipes, allowing for more precise fertilizer application and supporting conservation practices that protect land, water, and biodiversity.
What happens when you cross a worm with a robot?
