A team of researchers at North Carolina State University (NC State) has set a new speed record for an aquatic soft robot, doubling its speed from 3.74 to 6.8 body lengths per second. This breakthrough, inspired by the efficient movement of manta rays, also enhances the robot’s energy efficiency and expands its ability to swim throughout the entire water column—an improvement over the previous model, which was limited to surface swimming.
The soft robot features fins designed based on the unique fluid dynamics of manta rays. These fins are made from a material that remains stable when spread wide, and they are attached to a flexible silicone body. The design includes an air-filled chamber connected to the fins, which bend when inflated, mimicking the downward stroke of a manta ray’s fin flap. Once the air is released, the fins snap back to their original position, storing energy and enabling rapid actuation with just one actuator.
Continue reading… “New Record Set for Fastest Swimming Soft Robot Inspired by Manta Rays”