A biomimetic remora disc with tunable, reversible adhesion for surface sliding and skimming

Abstract

Remora suckerfish (Echeneis naucrates) can perform skimming and sliding motions on the surfaces of moving hosts to optimize adhesion positions. We found that remora achieve skimming and sliding motions through coordinated movement of the suction disc's lamellae and lip locomotion through live animal observations. We implemented an integrated biomimetic remora suction disc based on morphological and kinematic data of biological remoras. With soft actuators enabling "compression–rotation" and "compression–extension", the biomimetic disc controls the disc lip and lamellar movement under driving with only one degree of freedom, and can switch freely between three states: zero, low-friction, and robust adhesion. Then we investigate the effects of the biomimetic suction-disc soft-lip material, preload, and lamellar movement on the tangential friction force (both forward and backward) under different adhesion states. This biomimetic suction disc with a low-modulus soft lip can adhere to a smooth surface under 0.1-N preload and achieve normal adhesion-force and tangential frictional-force control ranges spanning ~10-1 N to ~102 N and ~10-1 N to ~101 N, respectively. The results reveal how remora disc achieved fast, tunable adhesion for skimming and sliding on surfaces. Furthermore, we demonstrate a bio-inspired robot capable of attachment, detachment, skimming, and sliding motions with the aiding of simple biomimetic pectoral-fin flapping. This study lays a foundation for future integrated applications of underwater adhesion robots and related biomechanical exploration.

An improved chromosome-level genome assembly and annotation of Echeneis naucrates

“…With a host, proposed benefits to live sharksucker comprise conveyance (via “hitchhiking”), shielding from predators, enhanced courtship and reproductive capacity, improved gill aeration and expanded feeding opportunities 8 . The unique suction cups and adsorption habits make the live sharksucker a good research subject for bionic study 9 , 10 , aid in fishing 11 and adaptive evolution, such as the commensalism relation between remora fish and shark 12 . Nonetheless, our comprehension of the biological context of the live sharksucker remains constrained.…”

Advanced Bionic Attachment Equipment Inspired by the Attachment Performance of Aquatic Organisms: A Review

“…With the deepening research on the unique micro/nanostructures and attachment mechanisms of various aquatic biological attachment surfaces, advanced bionic attachment robots, robotic arms, suction cup accessories, and micro-suction cup patches have been gradually developed [ 102 ]. For example, new underwater suction robots are inspired by the remora, and various bionic robotic arms, suction cup accessories, suction cup patches, etc., are inspired by the octopus [ 103 , 104 , 105 ]. It is worth noting that these biomimetic attachment devices already have excellent attachment performance.…”

Recent progress on underwater soft robots: adhesion, grabbing, actuating, and sensing

“…In active adhesion, several researchers ( Li et al, 2022 ; Wang et al, 2017a ; Wang et al, 2019b ; Wang Siqi et al, 2020 ; Wang Siqi et al, 2022 ) proposed an active biomimetic sucker made of multi-material composite based on morphology and kinematics of remora, using laser processing and 3D printing technologies. This type of sucker is made of composite material and can produce higher strength than the weight of the disc.…”