Dead spiders instead of robotic arms, it sounds unconventional, but possibly a smart solution to several problems. In a publication in Advanced Science Rice University researchers demonstrate how dead spiders can be used as hydraulic grabs using an air-filled syringe. Necrobiotics, that’s what the concept is called.
The concept may sound very scary and uncomfortable, but according to the scientists it does have a practical function. “With the concept of necrobiotics, we want to use nature’s unique ‘designs’ that are very difficult or even impossible to imitate.” The spider is central to the research. The legs are said to fold perfectly around uneven surfaces and can lift up to 130 percent of the (already euthanized) spider’s body weight.
Afbeelding via Rice University/Daniel Preston and Faye Yap
This is possible because of a spider’s unique joints; unlike mammals, arachnoids use hydraulic joints. Blood is pumped from an area in the body to the legs, causing them to extend. The researchers implanted a needle in that area to be able to manually ‘control’ the limbs.
But why not just make a tiny robot? According to the researchers, the necrobiotics have some significant benefits. First of all, a dead spider and a needle cost nothing compared to an average high-precision robot gripper. In addition, dead tissue is by definition biodegradable and therefore possibly better for the environment than an actual robot. The spider’s natural camouflage would also help to take samples in nature.
