Snake-arm robot capable of converting to a drone

A system comprising:

• a plurality of the convertible robots, each of the convertible robots comprising:
• a plurality of modules connected one to another by one of a plurality of joints, wherein the plurality of modules has a first end and a second end that is adapted to allow for removable attachment to the first end;
• and
• a coupling that reversibly converts the plurality of modules at least between the following configurations:
• a snake-arm configuration in which the plurality of modules are in an elongated arrangement;
• and
• a drone configuration in which the first and second ends of the plurality of modules are attached and in a loop-shaped arrangement,
• wherein the plurality of convertible robots are adapted to allow for attachment to each other while in the snake-arm configuration and adapted to allow for remaining attached to each other in the drone configuration.

A method of delivering a convertible robot to a rescue site, the method comprising:

• providing a convertible robot comprising:
• a plurality of modules connected one to another by one of a plurality of joints, wherein the plurality of modules has a first end and a second end that is adapted to allow for removable attachment to the first end;
• and
• a coupling that reversibly converts the plurality of modules at least between the following configurations:
• a snake-arm configuration in which the plurality of modules are in an elongated arrangement;
• and
• a drone configuration in which the first and second ends of the plurality of modules are attached and in a loop-shaped arrangement;
• and
• converting the convertible robot from one of the configurations to the other.