Snake Robots and Their Applications in Harsh Environments - A Review

Abstract

Snake robots, characterized by their elongated, flexible bodies and multiple degrees of freedom, are particularly well-suited for navigating challenging and confined spaces. Their unique design enables them to mimic the movement of biological snakes, allowing for exceptional maneuverability in harsh environments. These capabilities make snake robots ideal for applications such as search and rescue in disaster-stricken areas, inspection of industrial pipelines, and exploration of inaccessible terrains. Their adaptability and versatility continue to drive innovation in robotics, offering solutions to tasks that are difficult or impossible for traditional robots to accomplish. In this paper, we will explore the history, current state, and future directions of research on snake-like robots, which serve as a representative example of these remarkable mechanisms. Additionally, we will examine their applications in harsh environments.