Subscribe now

A MILITARY reconnaissance robot being developed at a lab in London can keep moving even if it gets damaged on the battlefield. When any of the snake-like robot’s “muscle” segments are damaged, clever software “evolves” a different way for it to wriggle across any terrain.

The serpentine spy is a research project funded by aerospace company BAE Systems to make a low-cost military robot that can be dropped out of helicopters to carry out reconnaissance missions. Because it isn’t wheeled, the low-profile, ground-hugging snakebot should make a versatile battlefield spy. The team behind it has also developed a shape-changing antenna…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop