Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new robotic inspection system that merges two nature-inspired technologies: a tiny insect-like robot and a soft, inflatable vine robot. Designed to navigate tight, hard-to-reach spaces in equipment like jet engines, this system could make safety inspections faster, safer, and more cost-effective.
The tiny mCLARI robot, developed by Assistant Professor Kaushik Jayaram and his team in the Animal Inspired Movement and Robotics Laboratory. Image Credit: University of Colorado Boulder
The project, backed by a $1.4 million grant from the US Air Force Research Laboratory, could impact fields ranging from aviation and infrastructure to environmental monitoring and even medical diagnostics.
Background
Regular inspections are essential for maintaining the safety and performance of complex systems like jet engines, bridges, and industrial machinery. But traditional inspection methods are often expensive, slow, and unable to reach confined areas. Mechanical failures, particularly in aviation, account for about 15 % of accidents, underscoring the urgent need for smarter inspection tools.
That’s where researchers Kaushik Jayaram and Laura Blumenschein come in. They’ve created a robotic team that brings together two complementary designs: Jayaram’s mCLARI, a microrobot modeled after insects and capable of squeezing through cramped areas, and Blumenschein’s inflatable vine robot, which can grow into narrow spaces and carry tools or payloads along the way. The result is a flexible, high-precision inspection system with the potential to reshape how maintenance is performed across industries.
Design and Capabilities
Weighing less than a gram, mCLARI is small but impressively capable. It mimics insect-like movement, allowing it to climb, navigate confined spaces, and move with millimeter-level precision. But its size limits what it can carry, making it less useful on its own.
That’s where the vine robot comes in. Made from soft materials, it can inflate and extend into irregular spaces, conform to surfaces, and serve as a transport platform. Once mCLARI is deployed at the inspection site, miniaturized sensors and cameras are used to capture real-time data, which is then sent back for analysis.
The combination works remarkably well: mCLARI brings fine control and detailed sensing, while the vine robot provides access and support. It’s a partnership that allows the system to reach places traditional tools simply can’t—improving inspection quality while cutting time and costs.
Beyond Inspections
Though initially aimed at industrial use, the possibilities for this robotic duo extend much further. In aviation, they could detect hidden engine defects before they lead to failures. In infrastructure, they might scan bridges or dams for internal damage. In disaster zones, the system could navigate debris to search for survivors or assess risk.
The robots also show promise for environmental work, detecting early signs of wildfire or contamination in hard-to-access terrain. And in healthcare, future versions could be miniaturized to perform non-invasive diagnostics or deliver drugs directly to targeted areas within the body.
Jayaram envisions future versions working in swarms, autonomously maintaining equipment or responding to emergencies. With backing from the US Air Force, the project is pushing ahead on refining mobility, autonomy, and scale—key steps for broader deployment.
Looking Ahead
By blending the strengths of microrobots and inflatable robots, the CU Boulder team has created a flexible, high-performance inspection tool built for today’s most demanding environments.
It offers a fresh take on how we approach maintenance and safety, whether inside an aircraft engine, deep within infrastructure, or even inside the human body.
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