Life-saving 3D-printed 'spider' coming soon?

A group of researchers in Germany has created a 3D-printed "spider" that can help rescue teams save lives by venturing into areas too dangerous for humans.

 

The spiders, printed by researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA, have legs measuring 20 cm, PC World reported.

 

"Created to help emergency crews respond to natural disasters, industrial accidents, and fires, this massive spider is a high-tech assistant that can go where humans can't because of hazards or because it's too difficult to get there," PC World said.

 

It said one of the printed spider's main advantages is its price: Fraunhofer said it is so cheap, it can be thrown out after only one use.

 

This is due to the selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D-printing process, which allows researchers to make complex and strong structures and as few or as many components as they want all at once.

 

However, there is still no word on when this spider will be available.

 

The printed spider can use hydraulically operated bellows to move its joints to get to the most hazardous of places.

 

It can also jump, just like the real thing. To move, it bends its front pairs of legs to pull itself along, and stretches its rear legs to push itself.

 

Also, it can carry electronic equipment such as various sensors and measuring devices depending on the situation. — TJD, GMA News