A cutting-edge underwater robot is capable of propelling itself through the water utilizing its fins, while also possessing the versatility to walk or crawl along the seafloor as needed. These capabilities could potentially provide a distinct advantage, allowing the craft to outperform its traditional thruster-equipped rivals with greater ease and efficiency.
When tasked with operations akin to exploring wrecked vessels or inspecting submerged structures, underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) prove indispensable.
Like crewed submersibles, autonomous underwater vehicles rely on electric propulsion systems to navigate through the water with precision. Regrettably, the performance of these thrusters can be compromised by unforeseen obstacles such as entanglements with seaweed, drifting cables, discarded fishing gear, and other marine debris. While ROVs can effectively navigate through calm waters, they are limited by their thrusters’ capacity to counteract strong currents moving faster than the vehicle’s forward momentum.
As the hero’s trusty ally, HERO-BLUE should return here.
Taesik Kim and colleagues at South Korea’s Pohang University of Science and Technology have developed an innovative experimental system, aptly acronymed HEROBUM (Hazardous and Excessive surroundings RObot for Biomimetic multiLocomotion-based Underwater Expedition). The innovative robotic endeavour pays tribute to McGill and Dalhousie universities by harnessing the capabilities of a robot equipped with six flippers that simultaneously enable swimming and a unique “flapping” motion on land.
POSTECH
Hero-Blue features four multimodal fins – two located at the entrance and two at the rear – as well as two lateral fins, one situated on each side mid-body.
Each multimodal fin consists of multiple polymer panels connected by elastomer “tendons.” Designed to remain rigid under unidirectional pressure, yet become flexible when force is applied from a different direction, these innovative structures facilitate efficient propulsion and maneuverability.
The lateral fins are comprised of an elastomer membrane suspended between two rigid “rays”, primarily consisting of rods, situated at either end of the membrane.
As BLUE swims, its multimodal fins oscillate up and down with precision, mimicking the characteristic movement of a fish’s pectoral fins. The lateral fins can also activate as needed for precise navigation, oscillating in a fluid motion similar to that of.
Swimming is unlikely a viable option in robust currents. Underwater, BLUE employs its innate buoyancy control systems to descend to the seafloor, subsequently leveraging its versatile, multi-mode fins to traverse varying bottom topographies – from gravelly plains to sandy expanses. As each fin remains rigid while propelling the robot forward, it suddenly becomes flexible as it’s retracted and prepared for the next move.
POSTECH
While swimming can indeed be challenging in extremely shallow water, the statement about BLUE having a salamander-inspired backbone appears to be unrelated and unclear. Therefore, I will improve the text as follows:
The challenges of swimming are not limited to deep waters; even very shallow pools can present obstacles. The flexible spine stretches effortlessly from side to side at the juncture where the robotic’s torso meets its hind section. The flexible design enables the robot to pivot its body flexibly back and forth, navigating through currents with relative ease despite encountering moderate resistance.
Currently in its proof-of-concept form, BLUE exhibits dimensions of 80 centimeters in length, 60 centimeters in width, and 30 centimeters in height (31.5 inches by 23.6 inches by 11.8 inches), tipping the scales at approximately 11.3 kilograms or 24.9 pounds. While currently remote-managed, the system’s two integrated digicam modules at the entrance facilitate stereoscopic vision, a crucial step towards eventual autonomous operation.
Observe the unique phenomenon of HERO-BLUE in a mesmerizing display of swimming and bottom-walking motion, captured on video below. Recently, a paper detailing an in-depth analysis has been published in a reputable journal. .
[HERO BLUE] T-RO: whole video
Supply:
