Japanese team develops snake-like robot to help in disasters

SENDAI – A research team says it has developed a snake-like robot that can climb over debris and rubble by shooting a jet of air to lift its front end from the ground. It is the first snake-shaped robot in the world that can move with its front tip off the ground, according to the team, which includes members from Tohoku University in Sendai. The Tohoku region was devastated by the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The robot will provide important capabilities during search and rescue operations because it can enter a collapsed building and look for people trapped inside with the camera mounted on its front tip, the team said. After working to improve durability, the team aims to put the device to practical use in three years. The plastic robot is 8 meters long and weighs around 3 kg.