US scientists have designed a robot that has the potential to be used for the underwater inspection of military ships. 

The Hardened Underwater Modular Robot Snake (HUMRS), which has been created by a team from Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), includes features such as thrusters, inspection sensors and buoyancy control systems according to an article on New Atlas. 

To showcase its abilities, the HUMRS was placed into a pool at CMU where it exhibited its flexibility and manoeuvrability by moving through underwater hoops.

“The distinguishing feature is the robot’s form factor and flexibility. The smallest versions of regular submersibles are usually blocky, one-piece arrangements. The robot snake is narrow and jointed. The end result is that an underwater robot snake can squeeze around corners and into small spaces where regular submersibles can’t go,” says Nate Shoemaker-Trejo, a mechanical and mechatronics engineer at CMU.

The team at CMU believe that the potential for the HUMRS to carry out inspections on navy vessels at sea is one of its most promising vices. In addition, the utilisation of this robot could reap rewards with regards to efficiency.

In normal circumstances, a vessel is either brought back to a port or dock when damaged or a diver is deployed underwater to investigate the problem. 

“If they can get that information before the ship comes into a home port or a dry dock, that saves weeks or months of time in a maintenance schedule, and in turn, that saves money,” says Matt Fischer, who is a project team member.

Looking forward, the team cite the potential of inspecting offshore oil rigs as another string to the bow of the HUMRS.