Earthworm

Year

2002

The idea

The peristaltic movement of earthworms served as the model for a pneumatic structure.

The objective

The bionic earthworm is composed of individual ring muscles.

Technical data

• Structure: ring muscle segments
• Control: separately or in groups

Operating principle

The basic stability of the bionic earthworm is ensured by its constant internal pressure. When its ring muscles are filled with compressed air, they become shorter and thicker. Driven by the peristaltic wave, the body is propelled forward like a natural worm, with special materials preventing it from sliding back on the surface.

Technology

The geometry and the welding technology between the individual pneumatic segments were optimised to make the movement as efficient as possible. Intelligent control of the segments, either individually or in groups, enables the worm to move in any direction without mechanical joints.