Researchers in California are developing a simple robot
cockroach that can be assembled in an hour, move quickly, and
survive 92-foot falls. Robot cockroaches have been designed
before, but DASH seems relatively simple to put together before
it can be used to creep everyone out. The 4-inch, 16-gram bug is
put together by folding cardboard and polymer sheets. A DC motor
runs the six legs while a servomotor bends the frame to induce
left or right turns. It can scoot along the ground at nearly 5
feet per second, which is equivalent to 15 body lengths, and
surmount obstacles taller than itself. Best of all, DASH's
flexible frame allows it to keep on crawling even after falling
from heights of up to 92 feet, according to the researchers.
Applications for the U.S. military, which is already developing
miniature spy robots inspired by insects, are easy to imagine.
Meanwhile, DASH will be improved with different materials,
better turning ability, and all-terrain mobility.