When robots face tight spaces and unpredictable terrain, most machines come to a stop. Researchers at the University of Genoa’s RICE Lab are changing that with Porcospino Flex, a bio-inspired single-track robot designed to go where traditional wheeled or legged robots fail. Inspired by segmented invertebrates, it features a flexible 3D-printed vertebral column made from ABS and TPU, allowing the robot to bend, compress, and adapt its shape while remaining lightweight and durable.
Porcospino Flex does not rely on multiple tracks or complex joints. Instead, it uses a single continuous track that wraps around its entire body. Steering is controlled by an internal wire and winch system. This mechanism bends the robot sideways and helps it maintain traction on uneven surfaces. As a result, the robot can move smoothly without complex motion planning.
Because of its flexible design, Porcospino Flex can travel through tight and cluttered spaces. These include collapsed buildings, industrial pipes, and confined mechanical areas. The updated design reduces the robot’s weight from 4.2 kg to 3.6 kg. This improves efficiency and reduces material waste. The project shows how bio-inspired engineering can create more effective and sustainable robots.
