Snake‐like robots “reach” into many types of applications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to review development of the non‐rigid robot alternative to the fixed axis robot designs. Design/methodology/approach – In‐depth interviews with the developer of the snake arm style robot and study of various applications employing this robot configuration. Findings – Rigid robot configuration no longer limits the applications to which robotics can be applied. The flexible snake‐like approach opens doors to applications previously not possible with fixed axis type robots. Practical implications – Users and integrators will learn how to rapidly apply the snake arm approach in an ever‐growing array of successful applications. Originality/value – Users and integrators will gain insight into how to solve application needs that previously could not be successfully addressed with rigid axis style robots, opening the door to applications where very flexible reaching is essential.