New shrimp-inspired robot claw capable of punching through rocks, shoot plasma

With growing technology, robots have been given immense strength to perform various tasks that humans cannot. Similarly, a newly created robot inspired by shrimp is powerful enough to punch through a rock and shoot plasma.

A team of scientists have recently developed a robot claw that copies a pistol shrimp’s basic behavior and can prove to be a valuable tool for underwater science and industry.

Despite being small, a pistol shrimp is capable enough to deliver an explosive amount of force that it generates a shockwave of superhot plasma that can knock out its prey or create impromptu shelters, explained Engadget.

The robot claw was created through a 3D-printed replica of the shrimp’s claw that includes a top half that cocks and locks back like a gun, and also a plunger that smacks into a socket in the bottom half. The replica relied on a top half that spins rapidly on a spring-loaded rod, generating the force required to have the plunger shoot into the socket.

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In both cases of the animal and the human-made replica, they create a rapid stream of water that leads to a cavitation bubble. The collapse of that bubble produces the plasma and the subsequent shockwave, which in turn produces a flash of light and temperatures of around 4426°C, as pre Wired.

“That reminded us of a mousetrap,” said lead researcher David Staack. “So we actually did some experiments where we put some mousetraps underwater just to see how fast the little arm would spin as you triggered it. We took that mousetrap idea and applied it as a way to snap the claw shut.”

However, before the design is actually used underwater, there is a lot of refinement needed. But, the potential uses of such a device can be infinite; it can be strong enough to drill through a rock, or to purify water by breaking it down into peroxides. Despite of its forceful blow, It could eventually enhance lives more than destroying them.