Innovative Robotic Design Inspired by Newly Hatched Baby Sea Turtles for Effortless Sand-Swimming Experience
Introduction:
Introducing a groundbreaking sand-swimming robot inspired by baby sea turtles. Developed at the University of California-San Diego, this untethered robot features a streamlined body with articulated appendages that mimic the front flippers of a turtle. The robot is equipped with terrafoils that allow it to move horizontally through sand, counteracting its natural upward motion. With a current speed comparable to subterranean creatures, the robot has the potential for various applications such as search and rescue missions, soil contaminant detection, and even extraterrestrial exploration. Watch the fascinating sand-swimming action of this robot in the video below. Published in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems, this innovative research opens up new possibilities in robotics.
Full Article: Innovative Robotic Design Inspired by Newly Hatched Baby Sea Turtles for Effortless Sand-Swimming Experience
Baby sea turtles serve as the inspiration for a new “sand-swimming” robot developed by researchers at the University of California-San Diego. This innovative device, created by a team led by PhD student Shivam Chopra, could have numerous applications, including saving lives and exploring other planets.
The robot measures 25.6 cm long by 5.1 cm wide and features a streamlined body that houses a planetary gear motor, a battery, and other electronics. It also includes two articulated appendages on the front, which function similarly to a turtle’s flippers.
To navigate through the sand, the robot moves its appendages forward against its body, then extends them out to the sides, mimicking the motion of hatchling turtles. However, this motion causes the robot to move upwards, limiting its potential uses. To counteract this upward trajectory, the robot’s wedge-shaped head is equipped with “terrafoils,” which function like a submarine’s diving planes and push the bot down.
Currently, the robot can move horizontally through the sand at a depth of 127 mm (5 inches) and a speed of about 4 meters (13 ft) per hour. It can be controlled remotely via Wi-Fi and can turn left or right by adjusting the thrust of its appendages. Additionally, the terrafoils could be adjustable in the future, allowing the robot to move up or down as needed.
One notable feature of the robot is its ability to detect and avoid obstacles in the sand. By sensing increased resistance in the sand flow during its “power strokes,” the robot can identify objects to the sides and above it. However, this technique is not yet effective for detecting items below or directly in front of the robot.
The researchers have already tested the robot in a sand-filled tank in a lab and at California’s La Jolla Shores beach. They envision future applications for the robot, such as inspecting grain silos, detecting soil contaminants, conducting search and rescue missions, or exploring extraterrestrial environments.
The research on this innovative robot was recently published in the journal Advanced Intelligent Systems. To get a visual glimpse of the robot’s sand-swimming capabilities, check out the video below.
Turtle-inspired bot swims and senses under sand
Source: UC San Diego
Summary: Innovative Robotic Design Inspired by Newly Hatched Baby Sea Turtles for Effortless Sand-Swimming Experience
A sand-swimming robot inspired by baby sea turtles could have life-saving applications and explore other planets. Developed by researchers at the University of California-San Diego, the untethered robot has a streamlined body with two articulated appendages resembling a turtle’s flippers. It moves forward through the sand by extending and retracting its appendages, which also cause it to swim upward. The robot’s head features terrafoils that counteract its upward movement, allowing it to move horizontally through the sand. Controlled remotely via Wi-Fi, the robot can detect and avoid obstacles in the sand. Potential uses include grain silo inspection, search and rescue missions, and extraterrestrial exploration.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Question: What is robotics and how does it work?
Answer: Robotics is a field of technology that involves designing, constructing, and operating robots. These robots are intelligent machines that can perform various tasks autonomously or with human guidance. They work by using a combination of sensors, processors, actuators, and algorithms to perceive their environment, make decisions, and perform actions.
2. Question: What are the different types of robots?
Answer: There are several types of robots based on their functionality and design. Some common types include industrial robots used in manufacturing plants, medical robots used in surgeries and patient care, service robots used in customer service and assistance, and research robots used for scientific exploration. Additionally, there are also autonomous drones, humanoid robots, and educational robots.
3. Question: What are the benefits and applications of robotics?
Answer: Robotics offers numerous benefits, such as increased efficiency, precision, and productivity in various industries. It can automate repetitive and dangerous tasks, reducing human intervention and the risk of accidents. Robotics finds applications in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, logistics, and space exploration. It also plays a significant role in improving the quality of life, powering advancements in prosthetics, exoskeletons, and assistive technologies.
4. Question: How is artificial intelligence integrated into robotics?
Answer: Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a crucial role in enhancing the capabilities of robots. AI algorithms enable robots to learn from their experiences, improve their performance, and make decisions based on complex data analysis. Machine learning and computer vision are two prominent AI subfields used in robotics to enable robots to recognize objects, navigate in dynamic environments, and adapt to changing situations.
5. Question: What are the ethical considerations surrounding robotics?
Answer: As robots become increasingly sophisticated and autonomous, ethical considerations arise. Some concerns include job displacement, ethics in military robotics, privacy invasion through surveillance robots, and ethical decision-making by autonomous systems. The development and deployment of robotics technology require ethical frameworks and regulations to ensure the responsible and safe use of robots in society.
