Page 212 - Amphibionics : Build Your Own Biologically Inspired Robot

Amphibionics 06 3/24/03 9:02 AM Page 191
6

Crocobot: Build

Your Own Robotic

Crocodile

Crocodilians

Crocodiles, alligators, and gharials are all part of a group of rep-
tiles known as the crocodilians. The bodies of animals in this
group are covered in a tough, leathery skin that is strengthened
with plates known as osteoderms, or bone skin. Crocodilians are
unable to sweat through their tough skin. They keep themselves
cool by resting with their mouths open, permitting moisture to
evaporate from the mucous membranes. Although modern croco-
dilians have an almost primeval appearance, they are actually
quite advanced, possessing an elaborate, four-chambered heart
similar to that of a mammal. It is generally accepted by biologists
that birds, rather than other reptiles, are the nearest living rela-
tives of modern crocodilians. All crocodilian species, except for the
American alligator, are endangered in at least part of their ranges,
and some are threatened with extinction as a result of habitat
destruction, hunting, or pollution.

Crocodiles and their method of locomotion are the inspiration for
the robot in this chapter. Figure 6.1 shows the Nile crocodile along
with its biologically inspired robotic counterpart. The robot croc-

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