Lightweight crawling robot navigates tight spaces without extra motors

Researchers at the University of Genoa have developed Porcospino Flex, a lightweight, bio-inspired crawling robot designed to navigate tight pipes and debris-filled environments without the need for extra motors. Measuring 670 mm long and weighing just 3.6 kilograms, the robot draws inspiration from millipedes’ segmented bodies and porcupines’ spines. Its core feature is a single 3D-printed thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) spine with 15 grooves that enable up to 120° passive bending, allowing the robot to absorb impacts and adapt its shape naturally when encountering obstacles. This flexible spine design reduces weight and enhances durability compared to previous ABS-based models. Porcospino Flex is powered by four gear motors: two for forward movement and two that pull internal ropes to control bending. The robot’s end sections house essential electronics, including batteries, control drivers, and a Raspberry Pi 4 for operation management. Its broad spines help grip uneven surfaces such as loose soil, grass