A biomimetic, swimming soft robot inspired by the Octopus vulgaris

Francesco Giorgio-Serchi, Andrea Arienti, Cecilia Laschi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract / Description of output

This paper describes a first prototype of a cephalopod-like biomimetic aquatic robot. The robot replicates the ability of cephalopods to travel in the aquatic environment by means of pulsed jet propulsion. A number of authors have already experimented with pulsed jet thrusting devices in the form of traditional piston-cylinder chambers and oscillating diaphragms. However, in this work the focus is placed in designing a faithful biomimesis of the structural and functional components of the Octopus vulgaris, hence the robot is shaped as an exact copy of an octopus and is composed, to a major extent, of soft materials. In addition, the propelling mechanism is driven by a compression/expansion cycle analogous to that found in cephalopods. This work offers a hands-on experience of the swimming biomechanics of chephalopods and an insight into a yet unexplored new mode of aquatic propulsion.
Original languageUndefined/Unknown
Title of host publicationBiomimetic and Biohybrid Systems
EditorsTony J. Prescott, Nathan F. Lepora, Anna Mura, Paul F.M.J. Verschure
PublisherSpringer
Pages349-351
Number of pages3
ISBN (Print)978-3-642-31524-4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2012

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science
PublisherSpringer Berlin Heidelberg

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