CLARI

Kaushik Jayaram’s robot is a tiny, insect-inspired, shape-shifting machine designed to move through confined and hard-to-reach spaces where humans or larger robots cannot operate. Building on earlier designs such as mCLARI, a four-legged robot small enough to fit on a quarter and weighing less than half a penny, the system aims to combine agility, adaptability and intelligence. Inspired by spiders and other small creatures, the robot can change its body shape to squeeze through narrow openings, remain stable in different environments and eventually climb walls or ceilings using static electricity. Future versions are expected to include body-wide sensors to map surroundings, making them useful for tasks such as inspecting jet engines, electrical pipelines or underground conduits, identifying defects, repairing components and supporting search-and-rescue operations after disasters.

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  • Organization
    Imperial College London
  • Profession
    Tiny shape-shifting robot for confined-space inspection and repair
Related sessions
In person
9 July 2026
14:00 - 14:30
EST - New York
CST - Beijing
PST - Los Angeles
AWST - Perth, Australia

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