The SAW robot. (American Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev)

Engineers at Ben-Gurion University have developed the first wave-like robot powered by a single actuator with no internal straight spine. The Single Actuator Wave-Like Robot (SAW) mimics the movement of living biological systems like snakes and worms. Moving at 22 inches per second, the SAW robot is five times faster than similar robots, can move across shifting terrain like rocks or sand, and can even swim through water.

The robot can be scaled up or down depending on its use. The robot can be 3D-printed, and has minimal maintenance requirements. The robot can climb through tunnels at a rate of eight centimeters per second when touching both sides.

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