KUALA LUMPUR, April 16 (Bernama) – A snake robot created by four International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) lecturers ready for commercialisation shows how far Malaysia has come in science and technology.

Prof Dr Amir Akramin Shafie, Prof Dr Raisuddin Khan, Dr Abd Halim Embong and Assoc Prof Dr Siti Fauziah Toha @ Tohara from the Department of Mechatronics under the Kulliyyah of Engineering have been involved in its creation since 2010.

Prof Amir said the snakebot, which proved effective in a laboratory setting, was developed to be used in impenetrable spaces like a collapsed tunnel or to slither over earthquake rubble.

He said it can help to check ground stability, survey the surroundings and scan for radiation after a disaster.

He said it is aimed at industries involved in excavation work, building tunnels, laying pipes, as well as for use by the police and fire department for rescue operations.

“The advantage of the snakebot is its modular design. You can attach a camera, radar, thermal or radiation sensor to it and it can also turn its head,” said Prof Amir.

The snakebot moves in a unique way which enables it to go where machinery on wheels can’t, he added.

Prof Amir said the snakebot is not intended for mass production, but for specific applications.

“This robot can be modified according to need, such as for healthcare and to snake through the human body. Of course it will have to be of a suitable size and material.”

He said the robot was created thanks to the eScienceFund under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), but now they are looking for a commercial partner to move to the next step.

Prof Amir said he can’t reveal too much about the robot but expects the dream of commercialisation to be a reality by the end of the year.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency