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Updated: Jun 2, 2025

Cardiac Muscle-cell Based Actuator and Self-stabilizing Biorobot - PART 1
Published on: July 11, 2017
Modeling and control of a sperm-inspired robot with helical propulsion
Liangwei Deng1,2, Chao Zhou1, Zhuoliang Zhang1
1The Laboratory of Cognition and Decision Intelligence for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, People's Republic of China.
None:
Efficient propulsion has been a central focus of research in the field of biomimetic underwater vehicles. Compared to the prevalent fish-like reciprocating flapping propulsion mode, the sperm-like helical propulsion mode features higher efficiency and superior performance in high-viscosity environments. Based on the previously developed sperm-inspired robot, this paper focuses on its dynamic modeling and depth control research. The helical propulsion performance of the sperm-inspired robot is analyzed by resistance-theory-based force analysis, followed by the application of Kirchhoff rod theory to determine the helical waveform parameters. The dynamic model of the sperm-inspired robot is established using the Kirchhoff equation, and its validity is verified through experiments. To enhance the practical application capability of the sperm-inspired robot, this study develops an active disturbance rejection control depth controller for roll-spin coupling motion based on the constructed dynamics model. The effectiveness of the controller is thoroughly validated through a combination of simulation and experiment. Experimental results demonstrate the excellent depth control ability of the robot, with an average depth error controlled within 0.19 cm. This superior performance lays a foundation for the future application of our robot in underwater operations.
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