Helping robots hold on
Since the 1970s, when early autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) were developed at MIT, Institute scientists have tackled various barriers to robots that can travel autonomously in the deep ocean. This four-part series examines current MIT efforts to refine AUVs’ artificial intelligence, navigation, stability and tenacity.If an underwater robot is to open a valve or repair a damaged pipe, it needs to anchor itself to a solid surface so it can apply force to carry out its task without pushing itself away. It then needs to detach and move on to its next assignment. A group of MIT researchers has designed a “controllable adhesion system” for underwater robots that offers the needed features: a high holding force on various geometries and textures, low energy consumption, chemical resistance to seawater, and low maintenance requirements.Underwater vehicles have become good at using propellers and thrusters to stay in one place,...