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Machines01:19

Machines

Machines are complex structures consisting of movable, pin-connected multi-force members that work together to transmit forces. One example of a machine is the cutting plier, which is used to cut wires by applying forces to its handles. When equal and opposite forces are exerted on the handles of the cutting plier, they cause the cutting edges to come together and apply equal and opposite reaction forces on the wire, which are greater than the applied forces.
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Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of a Bionic Robotic Fish Based on a Macrofiber Composite Material.

Biomimetics (Basel, Switzerland)ยท2025
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Updated: Jun 20, 2026

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An eel-like robot based on a dielectric elastomer.

Chenghong Zhang1,2

  • 1School of electronics & information engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.

Plos One
|July 9, 2025
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Researchers developed an eel-inspired robot using dielectric elastomers (DEs). This biomimetic robot demonstrates efficient S-type swimming motion, offering potential for underwater exploration in confined spaces.

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Area of Science:

  • Robotics
  • Biomimetics
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Eels exhibit remarkable long-distance migration and efficient cruising, inspiring biomimetic underwater robots.
  • Dielectric elastomers (DEs) are smart materials with large strain and fast response, ideal for soft robotic actuators.
  • Eel-like robots offer potential for high efficiency, maneuverability, and operation in confined aquatic environments.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To design and develop an eel-inspired swimming robot utilizing dielectric elastomers.
  • To establish a dynamic and kinematic model for the DE-based eel robot.
  • To analyze the robot's swimming performance, including speed, propulsion, and motion patterns.

Main Methods:

  • Established a cylindrical dynamic model for dielectric elastomers.
  • Designed and fabricated a tube actuator and joint driving module inspired by eel anatomy.
  • Integrated DE actuators into an eel-like robot structure with head, tail, and tail fin components.
  • Developed a kinematic model to analyze forward motion and swimming characteristics.

Main Results:

  • The developed eel-like robot successfully demonstrated an S-type angle swinging motion.
  • Analysis of the kinematic model provided insights into propulsion speed and swimming number.
  • The robot's design facilitates efficient movement and operation, particularly in narrow spaces.

Conclusions:

  • Dielectric elastomers provide a viable and advantageous material for creating efficient, biomimetic eel-like robots.
  • The developed robot showcases the potential of DEs in achieving complex, naturalistic swimming motions.
  • This research paves the way for advanced underwater robotic systems inspired by marine life.