Author(s)

M. Fremerey, L. Fischheiter, J. Mämpel & H. Witte

Abstract

This paper introduces a concept for a biologically inspired modular swimming robot, which is able to perform different swimming styles of steady swimming species. Therefore the robot has two kinds of modules: 1. a basic structure, which creates the required torque and determines the swimming direction of the robot; 2. effector modules that generate the robot’s propulsion in interaction with the surrounding liquid. Due to the specific task, the effector modules are exchangeable. This approach enables the gain of technical and biological knowledge: The results of research tend to a design that is suited to fulfill tasks in particular situations when common marine propeller driven robots are not able to work (e.g. an environment with many plants). In addition, the permutation of bio-analogous features in a robot improves understanding of the biological antetype. The current design of the effector modules is inspired by undulant swimming species, mainly sea snakes and eels. Biological research and mathematical modeling yielded to a three segmented tail structure. The coupling of the segments to each other uses spring elements. Keywords: biologically inspired robots, snake-like robot, aquatic robots, modular robots, steady swimming fishes. 1 Introduction Research in the locomotion of steady swimming aquatic animals (Sfakiotakis et al. [10]) offers numerous inspirations for technical solutions.

Keywords

biologically inspired robots, snake-like robot, aquatic robots, modular robots, steady swimming fishes