CLARI (Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect)
CLARI (Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect) is an insect-scale quadrupedal robot designed for navigating cluttered and confined environments through passive shape-morphing enabled by origami-inspired compliant exoskeleton. It deforms its body width from 34mm to 21mm to squeeze through narrow gaps, supports multiple gaits (trot, walk) at 1-10 Hz stride frequencies, and demonstrates locomotion in open terrain and laterally constrained spaces. Key features include modular leg design for potential expansion to eight legs, robust mobility over uneven surfaces, and future plans for sensor integration and untethered operation. Use cases encompass search-and-rescue in disaster areas, high-value asset inspection (e.g., engine interiors), environmental monitoring, and exploration of natural terrains mimicking insect adaptability
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CU Boulder's CLARI Secures $2M Grants for Shapeshifting Upgrades (April 2025)
University of Colorado Boulder researchers secured $2 million in grants in April 2025 to advance their CLARI robot's shapeshifting prowess. The funding splits into a $650,000 award from the U.S. National Science Foundation and $1.4 million from the Air Force Research Laboratory, targeting enhancements for the Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect. Led by Assistant Professor Kaushik Jayaram, the team aims to refine this insect-scale machine for extreme environments, building on prior demos where CLARI demonstrated passive body morphing to navigate tight gaps. This investment accelerates development of untethered versions, promising breakthroughs in confined-space operations.
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Q1. What is CLARI, and what problem is it designed to solve?
CLARI is a Compliant Legged Articulated Robotic Insect, an insect-scale quadrupedal robot developed by University of Colorado Boulder engineers. It addresses navigation in confined and cluttered environments by enabling passive body deformation to pass through narrow gaps.
Q2. What are the main capabilities and key features of CLARI?
CLARI features a modular design with four independently actuated legs driven by piezoelectric actuators. It demonstrates locomotion in multiple gaits and body shapes, including reconfiguration to squeeze through laterally constrained spaces.
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