MIT's robo snail!

Researches at MIT have built a robotic snail to test mathematical models of how snails move and stay stuck to surfaces. The device is able to climb slime slathered vertical walls and ceilings by a process which loosely imitates the real deal. See, the artificial gastropod has five movable segments on its underside. After each has advanced, the body itself slides forward allowing the robot to inch forward on a surface covered with a 1.5-milimeter layer of Laponite (aka, slime). While slow, this means of locomotion allows the device to crawl over just about anything. The "secret" is to "keep the snail as light as possible (31.6 grams), while ensuring the Laponite has just the right stickiness." Er, that's not a secret folks.

[Via Robot Gossip]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Engadget's apostrophe is really starting to offend me. I've emailed you about this before, but the apostrophe atrocities have continued. So, I'm calling you out by name in the publicly viewable comments. Yes, I'm using the humiliation strategy. I'm just not sure which side will be humiliated.

First victim is Thomas Ricker. Thomas, "it's" = "it is." Always has and always will.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

@ #1 it's an easy mistake to make... especially when you've got your attention on several other things that need to be done...

Now, ON-TOPIC... interesting device... not sure how it could be useful though

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

I always wonder what the next robot will be, but a snail. Never guessed that would happen

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

Finally!

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

MIT continues to lead the pack.. Hope we they come up more interesting inventions

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:06AM]

If it's = it is.... Then does it apply for John's = John is ???????