Scientists from Britain have unveiled a robotic rat ‘Scratchbot’ that can seek and identify objects using the whiskers just like a rat does. A team from University of Sheffield and Bristol Robotics Laboratory has developed the robo-rat to develop artificial intelligent systems. 

The robot will assist in knowing how the movement of sensory systems is controlled by the brain. This is based on touch technology that will enable the robot to work in spaces where there is no vision as in smoke-filled rooms.

The technology can also be used underground, under-sea or in dusty conditions where vision is compromised. The technology has inspired by utilisation of touch in animals. This is particularly useful in places that are poorly-lit.

Rats are experts in searching their surrounding using their whiskers. They can correctly decide on the shape, position, and the feel of objects by rhythmic sweeping of the whiskers. They make rapid and accurate decisions about the objects and construct environmental maps based on the information.