Robot Venus flytraps could eat bugs to fuel Ecobot

A while ago we wrote about the Ecobot – a robot that can digest insects, food scraps, and sewage to power itself. Unfortunately the robot lacked the means to feed itself, until now. Some scientists have created a new robot that could possibly be used to power the EcoBot: a robot Venus fly trap.

Using shape-memory metal spring and a clamshell-shaped piece of carbon fiber, they’ve managed to create a robot that snaps shut when an insect lands on its “leaves”. When a current is applied to the spring, it resets the trap, and it’s good to go again. When these flytraps are combined with the Ecobot, they can create a self-sustainable fly killer. A viable and greener alternative to UV lures that waste power when turned on all day.

George Wong
Categories: Robots
Tags: Robot