This version isn't steerable is it? I can't tell from the video(1), but it seems you build it for a specific path, and then inflate it to get there?
Seems like a cool start.. but I don't understand why they advertise it as "It can have a power supply that doesn't need to move. It can stay stationary." Is that feature? headscratch.jpg
The stationary power supply is a feature because batteries are heavy and flammable and usually not flexible. If you want to send a camera or something through a small hole, or underwater, or into some hazardous environment, it's nice to not have to send the power supply with it.
I think it's supposed to be like one of those tentacle monsters, it has some base that stays fixed. The DoE is funding research on this because they think one of these can send an appendage into a hole and see if somebody is hiding plutonium on the other side.
Seems like a cool start.. but I don't understand why they advertise it as "It can have a power supply that doesn't need to move. It can stay stationary." Is that feature? headscratch.jpg
(1) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRjFFgAZQnk