Watch each child play with a measure and you will understand where researchers from Seoul National University of Science and Technology found the inspiration for their new chameleon-like robot that can sneak objects more than 30 inches away with their artificial tongue less than 600 milliseconds.
Snatcher, as the robot called it, was not only inspired by tape measures. If you look closely at the tongue part that shoots out and retracts, the metal ruler is kept from an actual tire size because of its ability to roll up neatly very quickly. The rest of the robo chameleon weighs less than 120 grams and has a custom spring-up spring mechanism with a special clutch that can quickly switch between supporting a gear that extends the long metal tongue and a gear who withdraws it.
The results are analogous to how a chameleon’s tongue works, although Mother Nature’s approach is refined and much more accurate than this prototype. In its current form, the tongue has a simple hook at the end, which allows it to surround and retract objects of about 30 grams – that is, relatively lightweight – in the eye socket. The world does not necessarily need artificial chameleons, there are more than enough of the real thing that went around, but researchers think that their creation is used on devices such as drones to extend their reach to pick up objects that could otherwise be hindered or restricted by the spinning propellers.
Given the compact size, the makers of the Snatcher device also think that it can be a useful tool for those who deal with physical challenges, or who rely on a mobility device and as a result have a limited range. The simple hook at the end of the tongue that the prototype uses is not necessarily ideal for this purpose, as objects can be easily dropped. But the researchers are looking to upgrade it with a gripper that would lock securely once it makes contact with a target, and maintain its grip until it is fully retracted.
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