Developing Swarms of Aquatic Robots: Scientists Emulate Krill for Revolutionary Innovation
Introduction:
Introducing the krill-inspired Pleobot robotic platform, a groundbreaking development in the field of underwater exploration. Beyond being a staple in the diet of baleen whales, krill possess a unique swimming ability known as metachronal swimming. Taking inspiration from this natural phenomenon, researchers from Brown University and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México have created a robotic platform that mimics the movement of krill. The Pleobot is ten times larger than an actual krill and incorporates 3D-printed pleopods that replicate the sequential opening and closing of the legs. This innovative platform offers unprecedented control and resolution for understanding the mechanics of underwater maneuvering. With further research, the Pleobot could pave the way for the development of autonomous underwater sensing vehicles. To learn more about this pioneering project, check out the video below. (Source: Brown University)
Full Article: Developing Swarms of Aquatic Robots: Scientists Emulate Krill for Revolutionary Innovation
Krill-Inspired Robotic Platform Developed by Scientists to Create Ocean-Exploring Swimming Robots
Scientists have developed a robotic platform inspired by krill, the tiny crustaceans that are known for their adept swimming abilities. With the goal of creating swarms of ocean-exploring swimming robots, researchers from Rhode Island’s Brown University and the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México teamed up to create the krill-inspired Pleobot robotic platform.
Understanding Krill’s Metachronal Swimming
Measuring about two inches long, krill move through the water using metachronal swimming, a type of locomotion also utilized by arthropods like shrimp and crayfish. This swimming technique involves sending sequential waves of movement through rows of “swimming legs” on the animal’s underside. It allows krill to accelerate, stop quickly, and execute sharp, fast turns.
The Krill-Inspired Pleobot Robotic Platform
The Pleobot robotic platform is larger than an actual krill, measuring 10 times its size. The device incorporates an artificial pleopod made of two 3D-printed segments. The top segment is moved forward and backward by a powered gearing system, while the lower segment passively sways back and forth, simulating the motion of real pleopods.
Unparalleled Control for Investigating Krill-Like Swimming
Lead author Sara Oliveira Santos, a Brown engineering PhD candidate, emphasized the importance of the Pleobot in understanding the mechanics of krill-like swimming. The device provides unparalleled resolution and control, allowing researchers to investigate the various aspects of krill swimming that contribute to their underwater maneuverability.
Insights from the Pleobot
While more research is needed to develop complete krill robots, the Pleobot has already provided valuable insights. It helped scientists understand how krill generate lift while swimming forward. The platform revealed that a low-pressure region at the back of the pleopod boosts lift force as the appendage moves through its power stroke.
Advancing Autonomous Underwater Sensing Vehicles
The Pleobot study is the starting point for the researchers’ long-term aim of developing the next generation of autonomous underwater sensing vehicles. By understanding fluid-structure interactions at the appendage level, informed decisions can be made regarding future designs.
Publication and Demonstration
A paper on the study was published in the journal Scientific Reports. Additionally, a video showcases the Pleobot in action, demonstrating the robotic platform’s capabilities.
In conclusion, scientists have made significant progress in understanding and replicating the swimming abilities of krill through the development of the krill-inspired Pleobot robotic platform. This innovation brings us one step closer to the creation of swarms of ocean-exploring swimming robots.
Summary: Developing Swarms of Aquatic Robots: Scientists Emulate Krill for Revolutionary Innovation
Scientists have developed a robotic platform inspired by krill, the small crustaceans often consumed by baleen whales. The krill-inspired robot, called Pleobot, imitates the metachronal swimming method used by krill to maneuver through water. The robot, which is ten times larger than an actual krill, features an artificial pleopod made of 3D-printed segments. Pleobot has helped researchers understand how krill generate lift while swimming forward. The findings from this study contribute to the development of autonomous underwater sensing vehicles. The research was published in the journal Scientific Reports.
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