NECROBOTICS

Sriharipriyasr
Synergy, NIT Trichy
6 min readDec 28, 2023

ROBOTIC MARVELS OF THE FUTURE -AI meets Engineering, pioneers Robotic brilliance

Source: Turbosquid

Are you ready to step into the fascinating world where technology and life forms collide? Join us on this thrilling journey as we explore the potential of Necrobotics to push the boundaries of what we thought possible in the dynamic intersection of science, technology, and nature. Get ready to be amazed by the incredible fusion of robotics and arachnids that is reshaping the future of mechanical grippers!

Have you ever envisioned a spider transforming into a mechanical gripper? Welcome to the world of Necrobotics as we explore how this captivating topic turns an imaginative concept into a reality!

In recent years, Necrobotics has emerged as a spotlight-stealing field within the realm of emerging technologies. The term is a fusion of “Necrosis” and “Robotics,” hinting at exploring the intersection between technology and arachnids. Picture this: a future where the intricate design and capabilities of our eight-legged friends inspire mechanical robotic grippers.

The driving force behind Necrobotics lies in its mission to redefine our understanding of robotics and biodiversity. This innovative discipline seeks to unravel the mysteries of the natural world by employing robotic systems to simulate the unique qualities and behaviors of deceased arachnids. Imagine the possibilities of bridging technology and zoology, where the mechanical realm mimics the intricacies of the biological world.

As we delve into the depths of Necrobotics, we are bound to witness groundbreaking developments that challenge conventional thinking about the relationship between technology and the animal kingdom.

Source: The swaddle

TECHNICAL BACKGROUND

Spiders, those eight-legged wonders of the natural world, transformed into mechanical grippers that can redefine robotics. It’s not just fascinating; it’s a game-changer!

Necrobotics takes inspiration from the organic hydraulic system and compact legs of spiders to engineer an efficient and simple gripper system. Imagine a world where the agility and intricacies of a spider’s body are harnessed to create a revolutionary alternative to complex and expensive small mechanical grippers.

The star of the show in Necrobotics is the spider gripper, designed to lift small and light objects with finesse effortlessly. Say goodbye to the limitations of traditional grippers, as this innovative creation showcases the prowess of biomimicry at its finest.

The spider’s body becomes a playground for innovation in Necrobotics, particularly its compact leg mechanism and ingenious use of hydraulic pressure. The spider’s anatomy boasts a straightforward hydraulic (fluid) pressure system. Thanks to flexor muscles, spider legs naturally constrict when at rest. Spiders use a hydraulic pressure mechanism to straighten and extend their legs by pumping a specific fluid (blood) through their joints. What’s even more astounding? No external power is needed to curl their legs — it’s all in the natural state of their flexor muscles. Thereupon, Get ready for a future of robotics where spider-inspired grippers defy expectations and open up a world of possibilities in the realm of robotics!

The Secret Behind Transforming Spiders to Grippers

Ever pondered the mysterious process of giving new life to once-lifeless spiders? It’s a process that defies the norm and raises eyebrows in bioengineering.

The saga begins with the procurement of raw biotic material, none other than the cadaver of a wolf spider. But how is this obtained, you might ask. Well, it involves a unique method of euthanizing the spider by subjecting it to freezing temperatures (approximately -4 °C) for 5–7 days. Why the wolf spider, you wonder? It’s not just a random choice — this arachnid powerhouse exerts a gripping force nearly equal to its weight, elevating the performance level compared to other spider varieties.

Now, here comes the intriguing part. A 25 Gauge Hypodermic needle takes centre stage as it is delicately inserted into the spider’s main body. But that’s not all — a special glue is meticulously applied around the needle and left to dry, creating a seal that is nothing short of extraordinary. Imagine the precision required for this step as it sets the stage for what’s to come.

Next up, a syringe or pump takes the spotlight, connected to the needle like a lifeline. With a touch of technological wizardry, the spider’s legs are extended as needed, all accomplished by the strategic pumping of air. It’s like breathing new life into these eight-legged marvels, but in a way that challenges conventional wisdom and beckons us to explore the boundaries of what’s possible.

Source: Wiley online library

LIFESPAN AND MAINTENANCE OF ROBOTIC GRIPPERS

Imagine a scenario where the necrobotic gripper’s functionality hinges entirely on its arachnid counterpart’s robustness — a delicate dance between innovation and the intricacies of nature.

Through the lens of cyclic testing, a fascinating revelation unfolds: the Necrobotic gripper showcases an impressive actuation capacity, ranging from 700 to 1000 cycles. However, here’s the catch — beyond this threshold, cracks emerge on the membrane of the leg joints, a telltale sign of dehydration setting in. The consequence? Weakened and decomposing joints lead to a troublesome cycle of frequent breakage and replacement. The dream of seamlessly applying necrobotics to real-world scenarios suddenly encounters a formidable obstacle.

But fear not, for innovation is not without its problem-solving wizards. Here enters the theorized fix that promises to tip the scales in favour of Necrobotics — the application of beeswax or a lubricant to the joints. Hold onto your seats as researchers unveil a revelation: over a mere ten days, the mass of an uncoated spider decreases a staggering 17 times more than its coated counterpart. The magic lies in lubricating joints, a strategic move that combats dehydration and significantly slows the loss of precious organic material.

The quest to enhance the structural resilience of our mechanical marvels takes centre stage, offering a glimpse into the innovative solutions that could pave the way for a seamless fusion of nature and technology.

INNOVATIVE APPLICATIONS

Let’s talk about versatility! The Necrobotic gripper emerges as the superhero in processes demanding delicate material handling and manoeuvring light objects into those tight spaces. It’s not just an alternative; it can potentially become the go-to solution for precision in tasks.

These grippers step into the spotlight, adept at handling simple pickup and dropping actions with ease. It’s like having a nimble robotic assistant ready to tackle the intricacies of microelectronic tasks, making the seemingly impossible a reality.

Fast forward to the future — imagine Necrobotic concepts embracing soft robotics and electrical stimuli to repurpose biotic material into biohybrid systems. It’s a mesmerizing blend of nature and technology, with possibilities as vast as the imagination.

And that’s not the end of the Necrobotic saga — another jaw-dropping application involves utilizing preexisting bone structures to house robotic components. Talk about innovation! The fusion of biology and robotics takes a bold step forward, paving the way for a future where the line between the organic and the mechanical becomes beautifully blurred.

Source: The arrows

FUTURE OF NECROBOTICS:

“Unlocking the Future of Tomorrow, Necrobotics plays on the delicate edge between life and Technology, where innovation merges with life, and the echoes of tomorrow’s marvels pulse through the wires of today.”

While still in its infancy, Necrobotics carries the weight of immense possibilities and applications that could reshape the robotics landscape. Envision a future where the sublime synergy between nature and technology opens avenues we’ve only dreamed of. Our collective stance on ethical practices will undoubtedly shape the acceptance and implementation of this cutting-edge field. It’s about more than what we can do but how responsibly we tread into this uncharted territory.

Fueled by curiosity and creativity, researchers are scrutinizing additional concepts within the vast umbrella of Necrobotics. Soft robotics and biohybrid systems are just the tip of the iceberg, promising a future where the natural and technological boundaries dissolve into a harmonious coexistence.

Source: Nextweb

The horizon of Necrobotics in the field of robotics and hydraulic systems shines with promise. The journey ahead holds the potential to revolutionize industries, challenge our ethical compass, and usher in a new era where the nuanced interplay of nature and technology commands the forefront. The future of Necrobotics is not just bright; it’s a symphony of innovation and possibilities waiting to unfold!

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