The development of robots and artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly. But Marvel is taking it a step further by creating a robot that can walk on your walls and ceilings. This innovative piece of hardware is both intriguing and unsettling, as it brings to mind the potential dangers of robots taking over human tasks.
Despite this, Marvel (Magnetically Adhesive Robot for Versatile and Expeditious Locomotion) could also be incredibly useful in situations where there is a risk to human safety. The robots weigh eight kilograms and are designed to be used in dangerous environments, such as inspecting industrial locations like steel-structured buildings, bridges, ships, or storage tanks.
One of the biggest challenges for the team behind Marvel was developing the adhesion mechanism that allows the robot to stick to metal surfaces and overcome gravity in its movement. The robot uses electromagnets and magnetic elastomers to stick to surfaces, allowing it to adjust the magnetic properties of each of its feet.
Marvel has been successfully tested at speeds of up to 0.7 meters per second and with a maximum load of three kilograms. While this is impressive, the question remains whether or not we are ready to have robots like Marvel in our homes. As with any technology, there are both potential benefits and risks to consider.