Underwater exploration has been an on-going interest for researchers for many years. To curb their curiosity of what actually lies on the sea floor, they have finally come up with something that will give them all the answers: A giant robotic crab! Confused? Keep on reading then!
This robotic crab is a South Korean development and goes by the name of Crabster. It has the ability to dwell underwater for extended periods. While many projects that started out for the same purpose, failed- mainly due to low operator visibility or disability of the robot to withstand high currents-the Crabster is able to overcome these challenges.
Image: KIOST
Shaped like an actual crustacean and weighing almost 1400lbs, the Crabster uses the properties of real crabs and lobsters to allow it to scamper on the sea floor. Its six legs contain 30 highly powerful joints that it uses in order to stabilize itself against the heavy water currents. Furthermore, like other crustaceans it can use its two front legs as arms, which it uses to pick stuff up. One of the Crabster’s complex features also includes 11 optical cameras that allow it to dwell in waters of little to no visibility and provide real time footage. It is further equipped with a ‘Doppler’ which has the ability to estimate the water’s speed and direction. It is also armed with scanning sonar to scan anything at a distance, which can map out a 3D image of the seabed using its scanner that can go as far as 200m.
Image Courtesy: Daily Mail
The Koreans have gone all out to develop this masterpiece and ensured that they let no details pass by. To ensure it can really withstand high currents they have developed the Crabster’s glass fiber shell to be streamlined that actually helps in stabilizing the robot.
Before the Crabster is able to dwell underwater on its own, the robot will be lowered 200 meters into the sea for its first trial. If that succeeds, the Crabster would be able to remain on the sea floor for up to 24 hours.
We cannot wait to find out what the first robotic crustacean would be able to discover in the depths of the sea!
References: KIOST, Daily Mail