Science Nation: Creeping Crawling Caterpillars
It's likely one day there will be robots crawling around that look a lot like caterpillars. With funding from the National Science Foundation, Tufts Biology Professor Barry Trimmer is researching the neuromechanics of caterpillars. The applications for this research include the development of soft-bodied robots for use in medicine, environmental safety, industry, and defense.
Media Details
Runtime: 2 minutes 30 seconds
- Topic: History, Science, Technology
- Subtopic: Animal Behavior, Insects, Inventions, Robotics
- Grade/Interest Level: 7 - 12
- Standards:
- Release Year: 2009
- Producer/Distributor: National Science Foundation
- Series: Science Nation
- Report a Problem
Related Media

Science Nation: Doppler on Wheels--The Biggest 'Dish' on the Road

Science Nation: Testing the Waters--1,4-Dioxane in North Carolina's Cape Fear River Basin

Science Nation: Hydraulic Fracturing--Using Scientific Methods to Evaluate Trade-Offs

Science Nation: Giving Robots and Prostheses the Human Touch

Science Nation: CASA Radar Tracks Tornadoes

Science Nation: Biophotonics Poised to Make Major Breakthroughs in Medicine

Science Nation: Off the Water Grid--Energy Efficient and Sustainable

Science Nation: Could a "Thinking Cap" Help Us Learn?

Science Nation: Arctic Soils Key to Future Climate

Science Nation: Hunting for the WIMPS of the Universe