A snakebot (or snake robot) is a type of robot that looks and moves like a snake. Snakebots are part of biomorphic robots, which are machines made to copy animals.^[1]

Snakebots can be made in many different shapes and sizes. They can move through small spaces and over difficult ground because of their long, thin bodies. Many snakebots are built from many small parts (segments) connected together. This design means they can still work even if one part is broken.^[2]

Snakebots can be used in many places where humans or normal robots cannot go safely:^[3]

• Search and rescue: A snakebot was used after the 2017 earthquake in Mexico City to look for survivors.^[4]
• Inspection and maintenance: They can check places like pipes, bridges, and machines that are hard to reach.
• Medical: Very small snakebots are being made for surgery inside the human body. For example, at Carnegie Mellon University a medical snakebot can move inside the chest around organs.^[5]
• Military and spying: Because they are quiet and flexible, snakebots may be used for watching and exploring in defense.
• Space: Space agencies like NASA want to use snakebots on planets and moons. They can move on rocks, inside craters, or under ice where normal rovers cannot go.^[6]

Snakebots usually move by bending their bodies like snakes. Some use wheels or tracks. Scientists are still working on snakebots that can move exactly like real snakes.

Snakes use different ways of moving, called gaits. Snakebots can also copy these gaits. For example, some snakebots can do sidewinding, which helps them climb sandy slopes without slipping.^[7]

• NASA is testing snakebots for space missions, including Enceladus, a moon of Saturn.
• Carnegie Mellon University's Biorobotics Lab is making snakebots for search and rescue.^[8]