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Wang Y, Gao T, Pang S, Xu J, Tao X, Yang J, Sheng W. Optimal design and development of a fast steering robot inspired by scallops. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 11:1297727. [PMID: 38260743 PMCID: PMC10800569 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1297727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The improvement of the steering performance of jet robots is challenging due to single inflexible jet aperture. Scallops provide a potential solution with hard shells and a double-hole jet propulsion, which are expected to achieve fast steering movement under water. Inspired by scallops, a bionic propulsion dynamic mesh is proposed in this article, and a three-dimensional computational model of scallops is established. We further calculated the scallop propulsion mechanism under the swing of shells with different shapes. The coupling of simultaneous swing of two shells and their coupling with velum are presented, revealing the unique movement mechanism of Bivalvia. Based on this, the advantages of the double-hole jet propulsion are applied to develop a scallop robot with excellent steering capabilities. Experiments are conducted to verify the steering performance of the scallop robot.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumo Wang
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Tianyu Gao
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Shunxiang Pang
- Department of Automation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiajun Xu
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiayu Tao
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Junqin Yang
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
| | - Wentao Sheng
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Nanjing, China
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Oliveira Santos S, Tack N, Su Y, Cuenca-Jiménez F, Morales-Lopez O, Gomez-Valdez PA, Wilhelmus MM. Pleobot: a modular robotic solution for metachronal swimming. Sci Rep 2023; 13:9574. [PMID: 37311777 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-36185-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Metachronal propulsion is widespread in aquatic swarming organisms to achieve performance and maneuverability at intermediate Reynolds numbers. Studying only live organisms limits our understanding of the mechanisms driving these abilities. Thus, we present the design, manufacture, and validation of the Pleobot-a unique krill-inspired robotic swimming appendage constituting the first platform to study metachronal propulsion comprehensively. We combine a multi-link 3D printed mechanism with active and passive actuation of the joints to generate natural kinematics. Using force and fluid flow measurements in parallel with biological data, we show the link between the flow around the appendage and thrust. Further, we provide the first account of a leading-edge suction effect contributing to lift during the power stroke. The repeatability and modularity of the Pleobot enable the independent manipulation of particular motions and traits to test hypotheses central to understanding the relationship between form and function. Lastly, we outline future directions for the Pleobot, including adapting morphological features. We foresee a broad appeal to a wide array of scientific disciplines, from fundamental studies in ecology, biology, and engineering, to developing new bio-inspired platforms for studying oceans across the solar system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Oliveira Santos
- Center for Fluid Mechanics, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Nils Tack
- Center for Fluid Mechanics, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Yunxing Su
- Center for Fluid Mechanics, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA
| | - Francisco Cuenca-Jiménez
- Circuito Interior s/n, Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Coyoacán, Mexico
| | - Oscar Morales-Lopez
- Circuito Interior s/n, Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Coyoacán, Mexico
| | - P Antonio Gomez-Valdez
- Circuito Interior s/n, Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Coyoacán, Mexico
| | - Monica M Wilhelmus
- Center for Fluid Mechanics, School of Engineering, Brown University, Providence, 02912, USA.
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A Twisted and Coiled Polymer Artificial Muscles Driven Soft Crawling Robot Based on Enhanced Antagonistic Configuration. MACHINES 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/machines10020142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Twisted and coiled polymer (TCP) actuators are becoming increasingly prevalent in soft robotic fields due to their powerful and hysteresis-free stroke, large specific work density, and ease of fabrication. This paper presents a soft crawling robot with spike-inspired robot feet which can deform and crawl like an inchworm. The robot mainly consists of two leaf springs, connection part, robot feet, and two TCP actuators. A system level model of a soft crawling robot is presented for flexible and effective locomotion. Such a model can offer high-efficiency design and flexible locomotion of the crawling robot. Results show that the soft crawling robot can move at a speed of 0.275 mm/s when TCP is powered at 24 V.
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Youssef SM, Soliman M, Saleh MA, Mousa MA, Elsamanty M, Radwan AG. Underwater Soft Robotics: A Review of Bioinspiration in Design, Actuation, Modeling, and Control. MICROMACHINES 2022; 13:mi13010110. [PMID: 35056275 PMCID: PMC8778375 DOI: 10.3390/mi13010110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Nature and biological creatures are some of the main sources of inspiration for humans. Engineers have aspired to emulate these natural systems. As rigid systems become increasingly limited in their capabilities to perform complex tasks and adapt to their environment like living creatures, the need for soft systems has become more prominent due to the similar complex, compliant, and flexible characteristics they share with intelligent natural systems. This review provides an overview of the recent developments in the soft robotics field, with a focus on the underwater application frontier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samuel M. Youssef
- Smart Engineering Systems Research Center (SESC), Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt;
- Correspondence:
| | - MennaAllah Soliman
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt; (M.S.); (M.A.S.); (A.G.R.)
| | - Mahmood A. Saleh
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt; (M.S.); (M.A.S.); (A.G.R.)
| | - Mostafa A. Mousa
- Nile University’s Innovation Hub, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt;
| | - Mahmoud Elsamanty
- Smart Engineering Systems Research Center (SESC), Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt;
- Mechanical Department, Faculty of Engineering at Shoubra, Benha University, Cairo 11672, Egypt
| | - Ahmed G. Radwan
- School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Nile University, Sheikh Zayed City 12588, Egypt; (M.S.); (M.A.S.); (A.G.R.)
- Department of Engineering Mathematics and Physics, Cairo University, Giza 12613, Egypt
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Liu S, Liu Z, Alfred Daniel J, Deepa Thilak K. AI with Robotics for leg support to skiers and snowboarders. JOURNAL OF INTELLIGENT & FUZZY SYSTEMS 2021. [DOI: 10.3233/jifs-219012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In general, Robotics is the area concerned with the linking of perception to action, and AI must have a central role in Robotics if the association is to be intelligent. Skiing and Snowboarding are famous winter games worldwide, enjoyed by participants of all ages and skill levels. Leg dominance has been recounted as a probable risk factor in downhill skiers for lower-limb injuries. Furthermore, snowboarders are more likely to injure their ankles than alpine skiers. To overcome these issues, in this paper, the Artificial Intelligence assisted Statistical model (AIASM) has been proposed to the smart robotic supporting leg for skiers and snowboarders. This paper introduces the concept and study of a robotic modular leg (RML) system with a reduced degree of freedom (DOF). The RML gives a perspective on physics that uses dynamic skiing methods and strategies to produce functional ski movements. Kinematic and dynamic models for the leg system are developed and used for modeling tendency, angle, and measurement, unweighting technique to create balanced and realistic curvature turns and peaks. The experimental results show that the suggested system has a performance rate of 95.31% with different ski movements at various intervals, curves, diameters, and peak shapes for tracking the desired footpath.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Liu
- Hebei Sport University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Zhenzhong Liu
- Department of Ice and Snow Sports, Hebei Institute of Physical Education, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
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Yurugi M, Shimanokami M, Nagai T, Shintake J, Ikemoto Y. Cartilage structure increases swimming efficiency of underwater robots. Sci Rep 2021; 11:11288. [PMID: 34050230 PMCID: PMC8163796 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-90926-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Underwater robots are useful for exploring valuable resources and marine life. Traditional underwater robots use screw propellers, which may be harmful to marine life. In contrast, robots that incorporate the swimming principles, morphologies, and softness of aquatic animals are expected to be more adaptable to the surrounding environment. Rajiform is one of the swimming forms observed in nature, which swims by generating the traveling waves on flat large pectoral fins. From an anatomical point of view, Rajiform fins consist of cartilage structures encapsulated in soft tissue, thereby realizing anisotropic stiffness. We hypothesized that such anisotropy is responsible for the generation of traveling waves that enable a highly efficient swimming. We validate our hypothesis through the development of a stingray robot made of silicone-based cartilages and soft tissue. For comparison, we fabricate a robot without cartilages, as well as the one combining soft tissue and cartilage materials. The fabricated robots are tested to clarify their stiffness and swimming performance. The results show that inclusion of cartilage structure in the robot fins increases the swimming efficiency. It is suggested that arrangement and distribution of soft and hard areas inside the body structure is a key factor to realize high-performance soft underwater robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaki Yurugi
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya, 468-8502, Japan
| | - Makoto Shimanokami
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya, 468-8502, Japan
| | - Toshiaki Nagai
- Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo, 182-8585, Japan
| | - Jun Shintake
- Department of Mechanical and Intelligent Systems Engineering, The University of Electro-Communications, 1-5-1 Chofugaoka, Chofu, Tokyo, 182-8585, Japan
| | - Yusuke Ikemoto
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Meijo University, 1-501 Shiogamaguchi, Tempaku-ku, Nagoya, 468-8502, Japan.
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White CH, Lauder GV, Bart-Smith H. Tunabot Flex: a tuna-inspired robot with body flexibility improves high-performance swimming. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:026019. [PMID: 32927442 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/abb86d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Tunas are flexible, high-performance open ocean swimmers that operate at high frequencies to achieve high swimming speeds. Most fish-like robotic systems operate at low frequencies (≤3 Hz) resulting in low swim speeds (≤1.5 body lengths per second), and the cost of transport (COT) is often one to four orders of magnitude higher than that of tunas. Furthermore, the impact of body flexibility on high-performance fish swimming remains unknown. Here we design and test a research platform based on yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) to investigate the role of body flexibility and to close the performance gap between robotic and biological systems. This single-motor platform, termed Tunabot Flex, measures 25.5 cm in length. Flexibility is varied through joints in the tail to produce three tested configurations. We find that increasing body flexibility improves self-propelled swimming speeds on average by 0.5 body lengths per second while reducing the minimum COT by 53%. The most flexible configuration swims 4.60 body lengths per second with a tail beat frequency of 8.0 Hz and a COT measuring 18.4 J kg-1m-1. We then compare these results in addition to the midline kinematics, stride length, and Strouhal number with yellowfin tuna data. The COT of Tunabot Flex's most flexible configuration is less than a half-order of magnitude greater than that of yellowfin tuna across all tested speeds. Tunabot Flex provides a new baseline for the development of future bio-inspired underwater vehicles that aim to explore a fish-like, high-performance space and close the gap between engineered robotic systems and fish swimming ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl H White
- Bio-Inspired Engineering Research Laboratory (BIERL), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, 122 Engineer's Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States of America
| | - George V Lauder
- Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University, 26 Oxford Street, Cambridge, MA 02138, United States of America
| | - Hilary Bart-Smith
- Bio-Inspired Engineering Research Laboratory (BIERL), Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Virginia, 122 Engineer's Way, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States of America
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Aracri S, Giorgio-Serchi F, Suaria G, Sayed ME, Nemitz MP, Mahon S, Stokes AA. Soft Robots for Ocean Exploration and Offshore Operations: A Perspective. Soft Robot 2021; 8:625-639. [PMID: 33450174 PMCID: PMC8713554 DOI: 10.1089/soro.2020.0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ocean and human activities related to the sea are under increasing pressure
due to climate change, widespread pollution, and growth of the offshore energy
sector. Data, in under-sampled regions of the ocean and in the offshore patches
where the industrial expansion is taking place, are fundamental to manage
successfully a sustainable development and to mitigate climate change. Existing
technology cannot cope with the vast and harsh environments that need monitoring
and sampling the most. The limiting factors are, among others, the spatial
scales of the physical domain, the high pressure, and the strong hydrodynamic
perturbations, which require vehicles with a combination of persistent autonomy,
augmented efficiency, extreme robustness, and advanced control. In light of the
most recent developments in soft robotics technologies, we propose that the use
of soft robots may aid in addressing the challenges posed by abyssal and
wave-dominated environments. Nevertheless, soft robots also allow for fast and
low-cost manufacturing, presenting a new potential problem: marine pollution
from ubiquitous soft sampling devices. In this study, the technological and
scientific gaps are widely discussed, as they represent the driving factors for
the development of soft robotics. Offshore industry supports increasing energy
demand and the employment of robots on marine assets is growing. Such expansion
needs to be sustained by the knowledge of the oceanic environment, where large
remote areas are yet to be explored and adequately sampled. We offer our
perspective on the development of sustainable soft systems, indicating the
characteristics of the existing soft robots that promote underwater
maneuverability, locomotion, and sampling. This perspective encourages an
interdisciplinary approach to the design of aquatic soft robots and invites a
discussion about the industrial and oceanographic needs that call for their
application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Aracri
- Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Giorgio-Serchi
- Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Giuseppe Suaria
- Institute of Marine Sciences-National Research Council (ISMAR-CNR), La Spezia, Italy
| | - Mohammed E Sayed
- Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Markus P Nemitz
- Department of Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA.,Robotics Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Stephen Mahon
- Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - Adam A Stokes
- Scottish Microelectronics Centre, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, School of Engineering, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
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Wang Y, Pang S, Jin H, Xu M, Sun S, Li W, Zhang S. Development of a biomimetic scallop robot capable of jet propulsion. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2020; 15:036008. [PMID: 32196482 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab75f6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Inspired by a scallop's strong underwater propulsion mechanism, we designed and prototyped a scallop robot capable of clapping and swimming. In this work, an artificial velum was used to work as a check valve to stimulate the robot's swimming. A couple of supporting plates were fixed on the robot shells to achieve the modulation of clapping process of the shells. The scallop robot can move at a maximum average and instantaneous speed of 3.4 and 4.65 body lengths per second, respectively. The effect of the supporting plates, the artificial velum, as well as the clapping frequency and amplitude on the swimming performance of the scallop robot was also experimentally evaluated. By tuning the sizes of the jet apertures, the scallop robot is capable of achieving high mobility actions such as turning. We also obtained the aperture ratio with the corresponding turning radius. This scallop robot provides a new propulsion mechanism in underwater bionic robots; it is also of help to understand the swimming principle of scallops in terms of jet propulsion and clapping motion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumo Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Materials, Department of Precision Machinery and Precision Instrumentation, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
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Fish FE. Advantages of aquatic animals as models for bio-inspired drones over present AUV technology. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2020; 15:025001. [PMID: 31751980 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ab5a34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Robotic systems are becoming more ubiquitous, whether on land, in the air, or in water. In the aquatic realm, aquatic drones including ROVs (remotely operated vehicles) and AUVs (autonomous underwater vehicles) have opened new opportunities to investigate the ocean depths. However, these technologies have limitations related to shipboard support, programing, and functionality in complex marine environments. A new form of AUV is being developed to become operational. These drones are based on animal designs and capabilities. Biological AUVs (BAUVs) promise to improve performance in the varied environments of the ocean. Comparison of animal swimming performance with conventional AUVs and BAUVs demonstrates that natural systems still have swimming capabilities beyond the current state of AUV technology. However, the performances of aquatic animals with respect to swimming speed, efficiency, maneuverability, and stealth can serve as benchmarks to direct the development of bio-inspired AUV technology with enhanced capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank E Fish
- Department of Biology, West Chester University, West Chester, PA, United States of America
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