"Necrobotics" is the name of a new field of robotics that engineers from Rice University intend to open with their experiment. They have turned dead spiders into "tools" that can be controlled at will.

In a groundbreaking fusion of nature and technology, engineers from Rice University have pioneered a new field they call "necrobotics" – the art of transforming dead spiders into robotic claws capable of grasping and manipulating objects. This innovative approach harnesses the unique hydraulic mechanisms found in spiders, opening up exciting possibilities in the realm of soft robotics and biomimicry.

The idea originated when the researchers observed the curled-up posture of a deceased spider in their lab, prompting them to investigate the underlying mechanisms behind this phenomenon. Their findings revealed that spiders' movements are driven by hydraulic principles, with a cavity near the head called the prosomal chamber contracting to direct blood to the extremities, allowing them to extend. Upon death, this hydraulic pressure dissipates, causing the legs to contract into a curled position.

Recognizing the potential of this natural architecture, the engineers devised a ingenious method to revive the spiders' hydraulic systems using air pressure. By inserting a needle into the prosomal chamber and sealing it with superglue, they could inject small amounts of air, effectively replacing the blood flow and enabling them to control the movement of the spider's legs.

Initial tests with these "necrobotic claws" yielded promising results, with the spiders demonstrating the ability to lift objects weighing up to 130% of their body weight. Furthermore, the researchers were able to perform up to 1,000 opening and closing cycles before noticing signs of wear, which they attribute to potential joint dehydration – a challenge they aim to overcome through the application of polymer coatings.

The applications of these necrobotic grippers are vast and diverse, ranging from performing tasks on a microscopic scale to catching insects or retrieving objects in natural settings. Moreover, being derived from biodegradable materials, these robotic components offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional robotics components made from metals, plastics, and electronics.

The researchers envision necrobotics as a logical extension of their ongoing work in soft robotics, which explores the use of innovative materials such as hydrogels, elastomers, and textiles to create robots inspired by nature. As Daniel Preston, one of the project leaders, explains, "This area of soft robotics is very interesting because we can use previously unused types of drives and materials. The spider belongs to this line of research. This is something that has not been used before, but has great potential."

While the concept of repurposing dead spiders for robotics may seem unconventional, the engineers draw parallels to humanity's historical use of animal materials for tools and clothing. They emphasize that their approach does not involve animating the spiders but rather manipulating their movements like puppets, with future work focused on controlling individual leg movements through the refinement of "valves" in the hydraulic system.

As the field of necrobotics continues to evolve, it promises to open new frontiers in biomimicry and sustainable robotics, harnessing nature's ingenious designs for innovative technological solutions.