Innovative RoboClam inspired by nature
MechE Professor Anette "Peko" Hosoi and graduate student Amos Winter are digging into clams, as they develop a new robotic underwater anchor system. In doing so they have drawn attention to a seemingly simple sea creature with some rather remarkable talents. The RoboClam project is based on the razor clam - specifically its ability to dig into the sea floor quickly and efficiently, and then attach itself with a strength greater than any existing mechanical anchor. The project has drawn plenty of attention, including a Boston Globe article and a podcast on Scientific American's 60-Second Science. You can learn more about RoboClam, and check out video of a razor clam in action, at the MIT News Office web site.
