Episode 54: Squishy Robotics Shape Shifting Robots

Smart Firefighting

Squishy Robotics is a company that designs robots from tensegrity structures. These robots are light-weight, low cost, and robust, capable of surviving large impacts while carrying a payload. Squishy Robotics hopes their shape-shifting robots will inspire researchers and push the boundaries of our technological advancement.

Squishy Robotics was funded through a small business innovation research grant. The groups shape-shifting robots were originally designed to be dropped from a spacecraft, in order to explore distant planets. The tensegrity structure reduces the impact from a massive fall and allows it to traverse uneven and problematic terrain. After their initial debut, it became clear the robots could be used for more than just space exploration.

When first responders face a potential hazmat situation, they will often make decisions based around imperfect situational awareness. A fallen structure will often pose unforeseen dangers such as broken gas lines, or chemical seepage. While we have sensors to locate these dangers many of them require getting closer to the structure than recommended. Squishy Robot’s drone could enter the scene and transmit visual and chemical data giving first responders the information they need to make the right decisions.

Squishy Robotics is providing groundbreaking innovations to reduce risks and save lives. If you want to learn more visit: https://squishy-robotics.com