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Aguzzi J, Cuadros J, Dartnell L, Costa C, Violino S, Canfora L, Danovaro R, Robinson NJ, Giovannelli D, Flögel S, Stefanni S, Chatzievangelou D, Marini S, Picardi G, Foing B. Marine Science Can Contribute to the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Life. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:676. [PMID: 38929660 PMCID: PMC11205085 DOI: 10.3390/life14060676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Life on our planet likely evolved in the ocean, and thus exo-oceans are key habitats to search for extraterrestrial life. We conducted a data-driven bibliographic survey on the astrobiology literature to identify emerging research trends with marine science for future synergies in the exploration for extraterrestrial life in exo-oceans. Based on search queries, we identified 2592 published items since 1963. The current literature falls into three major groups of terms focusing on (1) the search for life on Mars, (2) astrobiology within our Solar System with reference to icy moons and their exo-oceans, and (3) astronomical and biological parameters for planetary habitability. We also identified that the most prominent research keywords form three key-groups focusing on (1) using terrestrial environments as proxies for Martian environments, centred on extremophiles and biosignatures, (2) habitable zones outside of "Goldilocks" orbital ranges, centred on ice planets, and (3) the atmosphere, magnetic field, and geology in relation to planets' habitable conditions, centred on water-based oceans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacopo Aguzzi
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)—CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (N.J.R.); (D.C.); (G.P.)
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Javier Cuadros
- Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5D, UK;
| | - Lewis Dartnell
- School of Life Sciences, University of Westminster, 115 New Cavendish St, London W1W 6UW, UK;
| | - Corrado Costa
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria—Centro di Ricerca Ingegneria e Trasformazioni Agroalimentari, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (C.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Simona Violino
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi Dell’Economia Agraria—Centro di Ricerca Ingegneria e Trasformazioni Agroalimentari, 00015 Monterotondo, Italy; (C.C.); (S.V.)
| | - Loredana Canfora
- Consiglio per la Ricerca in Agricoltura e l’Analisi dell’economia Agraria—Centro di Ricerca Agricoltura e Ambiente, 00182 Roma, Italy;
| | - Roberto Danovaro
- Department of Life and Environmental Sciences, Polytechnic University of Marcs (UNIVPM), 60131 Ancona, Italy;
| | - Nathan Jack Robinson
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)—CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (N.J.R.); (D.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Donato Giovannelli
- Department of Biology, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy;
- National Research Council—Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Biotechnologies (CNR-IRBIM), 60125 Ancona, Italy
- Department of Marine and Coastal Science, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, USA
- Marine Chemistry, Geochemistry Department—Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Falmouth, MA 02543, USA
- Earth-Life Science Institute, Tokyo Institute of Technology, Tokyo 152-8552, Japan
| | - Sascha Flögel
- GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research, 24106 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Sergio Stefanni
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | | | - Simone Marini
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Villa Comunale, 80121 Naples, Italy; (S.S.); (S.M.)
- Institute of Marine Sciences, National Research Council of Italy (CNR-ISMAR), 19032 La Spezia, Italy
| | - Giacomo Picardi
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)—CSIC, 08003 Barcelona, Spain; (N.J.R.); (D.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Bernard Foing
- Faculty of Earth and Life Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1081-1087, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands;
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Prakash A, Nair AR, Arunav H, P R R, Akhil VM, Tawk C, Shankar KV. Bioinspiration and biomimetics in marine robotics: a review on current applications and future trends. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2024; 19:031002. [PMID: 38467071 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few years, the research community has witnessed a burgeoning interest in biomimetics, particularly within the marine sector. The study of biomimicry as a revolutionary remedy for numerous commercial and research-based marine businesses has been spurred by the difficulties presented by the harsh maritime environment. Biomimetic marine robots are at the forefront of this innovation by imitating various structures and behaviors of marine life and utilizing the evolutionary advantages and adaptations these marine organisms have developed over millennia to thrive in harsh conditions. This thorough examination explores current developments and research efforts in biomimetic marine robots based on their propulsion mechanisms. By examining these biomimetic designs, the review aims to solve the mysteries buried in the natural world and provide vital information for marine improvements. In addition to illuminating the complexities of these bio-inspired mechanisms, the investigation helps to steer future research directions and possible obstacles, spurring additional advancements in the field of biomimetic marine robotics. Considering the revolutionary potential of using nature's inventiveness to navigate and thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth, the current review's conclusion urges a multidisciplinary approach by integrating robotics and biology. The field of biomimetic marine robotics not only represents a paradigm shift in our relationship with the oceans, but it also opens previously unimaginable possibilities for sustainable exploration and use of marine resources by understanding and imitating nature's solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amal Prakash
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
| | - Arjun R Nair
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
| | - H Arunav
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
| | - Rthuraj P R
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
| | - V M Akhil
- School of Interdisciplinary Research, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, India
| | - Charbel Tawk
- Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, School of Engineering, Lebanese American University, Byblos, Lebanon
| | - Karthik V Shankar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
- Centre for Flexible Electronics and Advanced Materials, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amritapuri, India
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Picardi G, Astolfi A, Chatzievangelou D, Aguzzi J, Calisti M. Underwater legged robotics: review and perspectives. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2023; 18. [PMID: 36863018 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/acc0bb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
Nowadays, there is a growing awareness on the social and economic importance of the ocean. In this context, being able to carry out a diverse range of operations underwater is of paramount importance for many industrial sectors as well as for marine science and to enforce restoration and mitigation actions. Underwater robots allowed us to venture deeper and for longer time into the remote and hostile marine environment. However, traditional design concepts such as propeller driven remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater vehicles, or tracked benthic crawlers, present intrinsic limitations, especially when a close interaction with the environment is required. An increasing number of researchers are proposing legged robots as a bioinspired alternative to traditional designs, capable of yielding versatile multi-terrain locomotion, high stability, and low environmental disturbance. In this work, we aim at presenting the new field of underwater legged robotics in an organic way, discussing the prototypes in the state-of-the-art and highlighting technological and scientific challenges for the future. First, we will briefly recap the latest developments in traditional underwater robotics from which several technological solutions can be adapted, and on which the benchmarking of this new field should be set. Second, we will the retrace the evolution of terrestrial legged robotics, pinpointing the main achievements of the field. Third, we will report a complete state of the art on underwater legged robots focusing on the innovations with respect to the interaction with the environment, sensing and actuation, modelling and control, and autonomy and navigation. Finally, we will thoroughly discuss the reviewed literature by comparing traditional and legged underwater robots, highlighting interesting research opportunities, and presenting use case scenarios derived from marine science applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Picardi
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - A Astolfi
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
| | - D Chatzievangelou
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Aguzzi
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Calisti
- Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, United Kingdom
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Design of a Bioinspired Underwater Glider for Oceanographic Research. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8010080. [PMID: 36810411 PMCID: PMC9944121 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8010080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The Blue Economy, which is based on the sustainable use of the ocean, is demanding better understanding of marine ecosystems, which provide assets, goods, and services. Such understanding requires the use of modern exploration technologies, including unmanned underwater vehicles, in order to acquire quality information for decision-making processes. This paper addresses the design process for an underwater glider, to be used in oceanographic research, that was inspired by leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelys coriacea), which are known to have a superior diving ability and enhanced hydrodynamic performance. The design process combines elements from Systems Engineering and bioinspired design approaches. The conceptual and preliminary design stages are first described, and they allowed mapping the user's requirements into engineering characteristics, using quality function deployment to generate the functional architecture, which later facilitated the integration of the components and subsystems. Then, we emphasize the shell's bioinspired hydrodynamic design and provide the design solution for the desired vehicle's specifications. The bioinspired shell yielded a lift coefficient increase due to the effect of ridges and a decrease in the drag coefficient at low angles of attack. This led to a greater lift-to-drag ratio, a desirable condition for underwater gliders, since we obtained a greater lift while producing less drag than the shape without longitudinal ridges.
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Mazzeo A, Aguzzi J, Calisti M, Canese S, Vecchi F, Stefanni S, Controzzi M. Marine Robotics for Deep-Sea Specimen Collection: A Systematic Review of Underwater Grippers. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:648. [PMID: 35062609 PMCID: PMC8779324 DOI: 10.3390/s22020648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The collection of delicate deep-sea specimens of biological interest with remotely operated vehicle (ROV) industrial grippers and tools is a long and expensive procedure. Industrial grippers were originally designed for heavy manipulation tasks, while sampling specimens requires dexterity and precision. We describe the grippers and tools commonly used in underwater sampling for scientific purposes, systematically review the state of the art of research in underwater gripping technologies, and identify design trends. We discuss the possibility of executing typical manipulations of sampling procedures with commonly used grippers and research prototypes. Our results indicate that commonly used grippers ensure that the basic actions either of gripping or caging are possible, and their functionality is extended by holding proper tools. Moreover, the approach of the research status seems to have changed its focus in recent years: from the demonstration of the validity of a specific technology (actuation, transmission, sensing) for marine applications, to the solution of specific needs of underwater manipulation. Finally, we summarize the environmental and operational requirements that should be considered in the design of an underwater gripper.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Mazzeo
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), 80121 Napoli, Italy; (J.A.); (S.C.); (F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Jacopo Aguzzi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), 80121 Napoli, Italy; (J.A.); (S.C.); (F.V.); (S.S.)
- Instituto de Ciencias del Mar (ICM)—Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marcello Calisti
- Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology, University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK;
| | - Simonepietro Canese
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), 80121 Napoli, Italy; (J.A.); (S.C.); (F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Fabrizio Vecchi
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), 80121 Napoli, Italy; (J.A.); (S.C.); (F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Sergio Stefanni
- Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn (SZN), 80121 Napoli, Italy; (J.A.); (S.C.); (F.V.); (S.S.)
| | - Marco Controzzi
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy;
- Department of Excellence in Robotics & AI, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, 56127 Pisa, Italy
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Adaptive Cuckoo Search-Extreme Learning Machine Based Prognosis for Electric Scooter System under Intermittent Fault. ACTUATORS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/act10110283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
In this paper, an adaptive Cuckoo search extreme learning machine (ACS-ELM)-based prognosis method is developed for an electric scooter system with intermittent faults. Firstly, bond-graph-based fault detection and isolation is carried out to find possible faulty components in the electric scooter system. Secondly, submodels are decomposed from the global model using structural model decomposition, followed by adaptive Cuckoo search (ACS)-based distributed fault estimation with less computational burden. Then, as the intermittent fault gradually deteriorates in magnitude, and possesses the characteristics of discontinuity and stochasticity, a set of fault features that can describe the intermittent fault’s evolutionary trend are captured with the aid of tumbling window. With the obtained dataset, which represents the fault features, the ACS-ELM is developed to model the intermittent fault degradation trend and predict the remaining useful life of the intermittently faulty component when the physical degradation model is unavailable. In the ACS-ELM, the ACS is employed to optimize the input weights and hidden layer biases of an extreme learning machine, to improve the algorithm performance. Finally, the proposed methodologies are validated by a series of simulation and experiment results based on the electric scooter system.
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Abstract
With the development of underwater technology, it is important to develop a wide range of autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicles for various tasks. Depending on the problem that needs to be solved, vehicles will have different designs and dimensions, while the issues surrounding reduced costs and increasing the functionality of vehicles are relevant. This article discusses the development of inspection class experimental remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for performing coastal underwater inspection operations, with a smaller number of thrusters, but having the same functional capabilities in terms of controllability (as vehicles with traditionally-shaped layouts). The proposed design provides controllability of the vehicle in six degrees of freedom, using six thrusters. In classical design vehicles, such controllability is usually achieved using eight thrusters. The proposed design of the ROV is described; the mathematical model, the results of modeling, and experimental tests of the developed ROVs are shown.
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