Burrowing robot design problem

[madfurby1475]

Hi,

I’m a robotics student, I’m planning to model a landmine seeking robot on a burrowing bug. I’m trying to find bugs with similar attributes so I can get good inspiration as to best burrowing technique, body shape that sort of thing but I’m having a bit of difficulty finding what I’m after.

I think I’m looking for something that has a wide shell on its back (to deflect and protect against possible blasts) something like a squashed woodlouse, and I think a shovel head (for digging). I’m also interested in how bugs would dispose of spoil (do they compact it or eat it, both?)

I’m thinking of it acting a bit like a mole to push the landmine up to the surface to be defused or blown up safely.

If you can give me any help as to what to search for it would be much appreciated, species names that sort of thing. I’m looking for videos and pictures if possible to give me the clearest design ideas.

Thank you
Furbs

[nomihoudai]

The only insect really living and digging underground that I know is the family Gryllotalpidae. They have arms like a mole to push the ground to their sides and advancing in the ground. Digging with one's head would just be ineffective for a bug, but that is just my point of view, no guarantuee that my statement is correct.

[anthony]

I suppose a spider design is impractical but some are true bulldozers particularly the genus Hysterocrates. They use their pedipaps and jaws to excavate burrows in soil, mine currently has a network of burrows about 9 inches deep thru a 15 gallon tank.

[saturniidave]

I would go with Claude, Gryllotalpus. Also known as 'Mole Crickets' they are perfectly adapted for burrowing.
DAve

[prillbug2]

Geotrupidae are very good burrowers, also Scarabaeidae in the tribe Ataeniinae. Scarabaeinae, example, Scarabus, Heliocopris, Phanaus etc. Cerambycidae, Hypocephalus. Carabidae, Scaritinae are also good burrowers. Also, I believe that there are some large roaches in Australia that burrow into the ground.
Jeff Prill

[downundermoths]

Jun 9, 2011 5:47:08 GMT -8 madfurby1475 said:

Hi,

I’m a robotics student, I’m planning to model a landmine seeking robot on a burrowing bug. I’m trying to find bugs with similar attributes so I can get good inspiration as to best burrowing technique, body shape that sort of thing but I’m having a bit of difficulty finding what I’m after.

I think I’m looking for something that has a wide shell on its back (to deflect and protect against possible blasts) something like a squashed woodlouse, and I think a shovel head (for digging). I’m also interested in how bugs would dispose of spoil (do they compact it or eat it, both?)

I’m thinking of it acting a bit like a mole to push the landmine up to the surface to be defused or blown up safely.

If you can give me any help as to what to search for it would be much appreciated, species names that sort of thing. I’m looking for videos and pictures if possible to give me the clearest design ideas.

Thank you
Furbs

LOL... Do you also howl at the moon ?

[jackblack]

Australias giant burrowing cockroach would be perfect , Macropanesthia rhinocerous , it fits into all the categories you are looking at , an incredibly strong beast , put one in your pocket and it will also dig it`s way out .You should find pics of them on google or we sell them as well in breeding kits, www.insectfarm.com
Cheers

[jackblack]

PS , I meant to also say , what a fantastic idea , good luck with your project and look forward to read about it in the headline news one day !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!