How unstoppable robot could save your life?

In a world of groundbreaking technological innovations, discover the awe-inspiring potential of an unstoppable robot poised to be the guardian of your safety. Join us on a journey into the realm of soft robotics, where the extraordinary capabilities of this mechanical marvel may just hold the key to saving lives. This is the story of how an unstoppable robot could be the ultimate protector in unforeseen circumstances.

This is a robot with the ability to expand to hundreds of times its original size, and conventional adhesives or spikes cannot impede its progress. Despite its seemingly straightforward and economical appearance, this robot holds numerous potential applications, possibly even playing a role in saving lives in the future. Our sponsor for this video is Morning Brew, the complimentary daily newsletter. In a previous video, I discussed a soft truss robot, and while this is also a soft robot, it operates differently and offers diverse functionalities. These robots can be constructed from a wide range of materials, yet they adhere to a common principle. Fueled by compressed air, they extend from the tip, allowing them to navigate through tight spaces and adhere to sticky surfaces.

Traditional inflatable robots might be hindered by spikes, but even if punctured, this robot can continue functioning as long as it maintains sufficient air pressure. The incorporation of steering, cameras, sensors, and intelligence transforms this structure into a fully-fledged robot. The inspiration for this device came from observing a vine in an office, prompting the exploration of a robotic approach to mimic its growth. The solution involves airtight tubing folded upon itself, similar to a water wiggle toy. By inflating it with compressed air, the robot extends from the tip.

Despite its simplicity, the robot boasts the capability to lift heavy loads with minimal air pressure, demonstrating the paradox of pressure. The softness is crucial to prevent harm, and the design allows for various applications, including search and rescue missions equipped with sensors and cameras. The ability to actively steer the robot is achieved by attaching artificial muscles that expand sideways upon inflation.

One notable application is the exploration of narrow archaeological tunnels in Peru, where the robot successfully provided video footage in areas inaccessible to humans. The robot's versatility extends to medical applications, such as facilitating intubation procedures, making them faster and safer. Additionally, the robot can navigate through granular materials like sand, making it a potential asset for planetary exploration by entities like NASA.

The ingenious design, inspired by plant growth, has led to a wide variety of robots with applications ranging from archaeology and search and rescue to medical procedures and space exploration. The video is sponsored by Morning Brew, a daily newsletter delivering concise updates on business, finance, and tech in just five minutes. To stay informed without overwhelming news site scrolling, Morning Brew offers a witty and informative alternative. Sign up for free at morningbrew.com/veritasium. We appreciate Morning Brew's sponsorship and your viewership.

As we delve into the realm of innovation and witness the prowess of this unstoppable robot, we envision a future where cutting-edge technology becomes a guardian angel. The potential for life-saving interventions is now within reach, reminding us that the future may hold an ally in the form of an unstoppable robot. Stay tuned to witness the unfolding chapters of a technological saga that could redefine the very essence of safety and rescue. Your life-saving companion might just be on the horizon.

Have these revelations about the unstoppable robot sparked your imagination? What are your thoughts on its potential life-saving applications? Can you envision a world where this technology plays a pivotal role in ensuring our safety? Share your insights !