Robotics Innovation by Dennis Hong

Reference: Ted Talks

Firefighting ATV can Operate in Hash Environment

Yanko displayed an ATV design by Liam Ferguson that can carry remotely-operated water cannons and a two-person crew into the heart of a raging blaze, and emerge unscathed. Firefighters currently rely on utility vehicles for hot-spots. These vehicles work well in a pinch for navigating rough terrain, but it cannot survive a burn-over when flames suddenly sweep over the area. The proposed Amatoya vehicle uses aerogel laminated insulation and a temperature-controlled spray down system which draws on an auxiliary water tank. Amatoya can also hold 1,800 liters of water supply, as well as the 400-liter auxiliary water tank.

Reference:
www.popsci.com/technology

Research Inspired by Wings

Insect wings have evolved into incredible nanoscopic material structures. Some wings are superhydrophobic, meaning they cannot become wet and the tiniest droplet of water is instantly repelled. Researchers are now using insect wings as a model for making self-cleaning. frictionless and superhydrophobic materials. If successful, development of self-cleaning, water-resistant and friction-free coatings for a range of machine components, construction materials and other applications, including nano- and micro- electromechanical systems. The team has carried out atomic force microscopy analysis of the surface of insect wings in order to determine the forces with which fine dust particles stick, or rather don't stick to the wing. The work confirms that only very small forces are needed to shed nanoscopic dust particles, two to twenty nano-Newtons.

Reference:

Micro and nanostructures found on insect wings - designs for minimising adhesion and friction. Int. J. Nanomanufacturing, 2010, 5, 112-128