Biologically inspired vine-like and tendril-like robots

Abstract

We describe the current applicability and ongoing potential of novel robots inspired by plants, specifically by tendrils and vines. These robots are capable of "growing" into unpredictable environments, and adhering their bodies to key environmental features in order to provide stability and leverage. Potential operations include exploration (medicine, planetary science, archaeology, disaster relief) and novel materials handling (grappling, bundling, tying).