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Marangoni effect inspired robotic self-propulsion over a water surface using a flow-imbibition-powered microfluidic
Bokeon Kwak1, Soyoung Choi1, Jiyeon Maeng1
1Bio-Robotics and Control (BiRC), Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Engineering (UNIST), Ulsan, 44919, Republic of Korea.
Scientific Reports
|September 2, 2021
Summary
This study presents a novel self-propelling robot inspired by aquatic insects. The robot uses a microfluidic pump for tunable Marangoni propulsion, demonstrating a new method for liquid fuel delivery on water surfaces.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Fluid Dynamics
- Bioinspiration
Background:
- Aquatic insects utilize the Marangoni effect for rapid water traversal, inspiring self-propulsion systems.
- Surfactant secretion by insects drives movement via surface tension gradients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel self-propelling robot using a microfluidic pump for Marangoni propulsion.
- To demonstrate a new method for controlled liquid fuel delivery to a water surface.
Main Methods:
- Integration of a microfluidic pump driven by flow-imbibition in a porous medium.
- Utilizing a small magnet to trigger autonomous fuel transport from a microchannel.
- Comprehensive analysis of design parameters influencing locomotory behavior.
Main Results:
- The robot achieved tunable Marangoni propulsion.
- Traveled distance, operation time, and directionality were controlled by adjusting parameters like porous media and nozzle diameter.
- Demonstrated mechanically tunable fuel delivery.
Conclusions:
- The microfluidic device offers a novel approach for bioinspired self-propelling robots.
- This technology opens new possibilities for future self-propulsion system development.
- Tunable parameters allow for precise control over robot locomotion.
