# Robotic Whiskers These Whiskers Can Help Navigate Obstacles and Obscured Environments By Rahul Kalvapalle | Published 2015-08-08 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisker References: [gizmag](http://www.gizmag.com/robo-whiskers-biomimicry-dark-navigation/38784/) & [ioppublishing.org](http://ioppublishing.org/newsDetails/robo-whiskers-mimic-animals-exploring-their-surroundings) Scientists have developed [robotic whiskers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vulcan-robot) that are inspired by those boasted by animals like rats, other rodents and seals. These whiskers are capable of monitoring air and fluids and can generate images of otherwise obscured environments. The whiskers measure around 15 cm long and 3 mm thick. They are attached by strain gauges at their base, with the system making it possible to track the movement of each individual whisker. These whiskers may not operate exactly like those of animals, since there's no evidence to suggest that their whiskers help them create brain imagery, but the point is that they do help navigate obstacles and obscured spaces. This technology could prove to be of great use in biomedical settings, such as in the performing of [complex surgeries](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/predictive-safety-engine) to help guide surgeons and their tools. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 0.5/10 - Popularity: 3% | Activity: 4% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Robotic-whiskers-monitoring-technology:** Developing robotic whiskers to monitor air and fluids for generating images of obscured environments creates opportunities for industries in robotics and smart sensors. - **Obstacle-navigation-technology:** Developing robotic whiskers to navigate obstacles and obscured spaces creates opportunities for industries in autonomous vehicles and robotics. - **Sensory-technology-for-performing-surgeries:** Developing robotic whiskers to guide surgeons and their tools during complex surgeries creates opportunities for industries in medical technology and surgical instruments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Robotics:** Opportunity to incorporate robotic whiskers in autonomous vehicles and robotics to enhance their obstacle detection technology. - **Smart-sensors:** Opportunity to develop smart sensors technology using lessons and insights gained from the robotic whiskers. - **Medical-technology:** Opportunity to apply robotic whiskers technology in the medical industry, particularly in complex surgical procedures that require enhanced precision. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Microscale Swimming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1.md) - [Robotic Smell Integrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-smell.md) - [Dog-Inspired Surveillance Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dog-concept.md) - [Smart Automatic Litter Boxes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/whisker-litter-robot.md) - [Scent-Detecting Robot Concepts](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sniff-robot.md) - [Robotic AI Surgeons](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/woxsen-university.md) - [Flower-Inspired Robotic Grippers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-gripper.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Blood Clot-Relieving Millirobots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/millirobot.md)