If you're happy and you know it, wag your robotic tail
In this era of disruption, creative minds are always looking for new ways to improve the design and functionality of everyday objects from cars to houses and much more. But what if you could improve the design of the human body? Would you increase the size of the brain to give people super intelligence? Would you add wings so that humans could soar across the sky? Would you give humans a robotic tail that would aid in equilibrium maintenance and prevent falls? Researchers at the Keio University Graduate School of Media Design have created the Arque, an artificial biomimicry-inspired tail for extending innate body functions. The tail is designed to help the wearer maintain balance and improve movement. Unfortunately, the Arque is not a prehensile tail, meaning that it can't grip objects. Bummer. In a recent video, YouTuber yamen saraiji shares footage of the Arque robotic tail in action.
About the Author
Alexis GajewskiAlexis Gajewski
Senior Content Strategist
Alexis Gajewski is a manufacturing writer and editor with nearly 20 years of experience covering the people, practices, and technologies that keep industrial facilities running. For more than a decade, she served as Senior Content Strategist for Plant Services, creating content for plant managers, engineers, and maintenance professionals on a variety of industrial topics.
During her tenure, Alexis worked to develop the brand’s digital strategy and helped launch and produce Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast. She also created The Lighter Side of Manufacturing, a weekly blog that explored the inventive and sometimes humorous side of the industry.
Alexis co-founded Influential Women in Manufacturing, a recognition program that honored 49 women in its first two years, earned an industry award for Best Product Launch, and received a proclamation from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and a commendation from U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth.
She also led newsroom operations and development at a large media company where she set editorial standards, developed training curriculum, and helped support AI adoption for more than 150 editors across 80+ brands spanning manufacturing, industrial processing, automation, and more.
Additionally, Alexis works as a freelance writer and editor, and her areas of interest include continuous improvement, the skilled workforce, and the role of emerging technology on the plant floor.
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