Undersea inspiration
The octopus is inspiring all kinds of technologies, from grasping tentacles and camouflage material to robotic arms and suction cups. Here’s a look at the sophisticated tech that this sea creature has helped unleash in recent years. [Read more about how the octopus has inspired tech innovations]
Camouflage material
Engineers from the University of Houston and University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign made a flexible camouflage system from heat-sensitive dye and light sensors that can automatically match its surroundings.
Suction cups
These self-sealing suction cups designed by U.S. Army researchers for grasping robots are strong enough to hold up a wine bottle.
Suction cups
Researchers tested four fingertip-size prototype suction cups made from a type of polymer that solidifies under UV light.
Resilient soft robot
Harvard University scientists started with a soft color-changing robot two years ago and have made a new untethered version that can withstand fire, water, and being run over by a car.
Swimming bot
Scientists from the Foundation for Research and Technology - Hellas in Greece tested an eight-arm underwater robot that mimics octopus movements. The bot could help make transporting heavy loads underwater more efficient.
Soft sensing
Researchers at the University of Zurich, in Switzerland, are calculating the dynamics of a sensor-laden arm made from silicone in an effort to make soft interfaces for robots more intelligent.
Wearable robotic arms
A team from MIT’s d’Arbeloff Laboratory is making prototypes for extra body-mounted robotic limbs that could one day help workers perform repetitive, difficult tasks.
Wearable robotic arms
The robotic limbs can be mounted either on the shoulders or at the waist, the researchers said.
Marine operations
The PoseiDRONE project is developing an octopus-type robot made from up to 90 percent soft materials for undertaking risky underwater jobs.
Soft endoscope
The European STIFF-FLOP project is working on a soft, flexible endoscope inspired by octopus arms and elephant trunks that could be used for minimally invasive surgery.
