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Bioinspired Soft Robot with Incorporated Microelectrodes
Published on: February 28, 2020
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A fluid-driven soft robotic fish inspired by fish muscle architecture
Sijia Liu1,2, Yingjie Wang1,2, Zhennan Li1,2
1School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Jilin University, Changchun 130022, People's Republic of China.
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics
|January 13, 2022
Summary
This study introduces Flexi-Tuna, a novel bionic fish robot utilizing fluid-driven artificial muscles that mimic fish red muscle fibers for propulsion. The design achieved a 20° tail swing and 0.185 N thrust, advancing flexible robot design.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Bionics
- Biomimetics
Background:
- Most artificial fish robots prioritize external form over biological muscle mechanics.
- Fish propulsion relies on muscle fiber contraction driving flexible connective tissues.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a fish-like robot, Flexi-Tuna, inspired by fish red muscle systems.
- To integrate fluid-driven units simulating muscle fibers within a flexible matrix.
Main Methods:
- Designed a pneumatic silicone structure with fluid-driven units embedded in a flexible matrix.
- Developed a modeling method for independent analysis of active and passive robot components.
- Conducted static and underwater dynamic tests, including finite element analysis and fluid numerical simulation.
Main Results:
- The Flexi-Tuna robot achieved a maximum tail swing angle of 20°.
- Maximum thrust reached 0.185 N at an optimal frequency of 3.5 Hz.
- The design demonstrated superior bearing capacity and a smooth body compared to traditional cavity-type robots.
Conclusions:
- Successfully applied fluid-driven artificial muscles to a bionic fish.
- The study provides a unique system matching biological muscle function for flexible bionic fish.
- Expanded structural design concepts for flexible bionic robots.
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