A Novel Integrated Gliding and Flapping Propulsion Biomimetic Manta-Ray Robot

Abstract

Bionic underwater robots are the intersection of biology and robotics; they have the advantages of propulsion efficiency and maneuverability. A novel vehicle that combines a gliding and flapping propulsion inspired by a manta ray is presented in this article. The outstanding character of the robot is that its integrated maneuverable flapping propulsion relies on two bionic flexible pectoral fins and long-range efficient gliding propulsion, which is based on a buoyancy-adjustment system and a mass-adjustment system. We designed the biomimetic manta ray robot and analyzed the principle of the gliding and flapping system in this paper. The gliding propulsion capability and the flapping propulsion performance are verified through gliding and swimming experiments. In conclusion, the designed bionic manta robot provides a platform with practical application capabilities in marine environment detection, concealed reconnaissance, and aquaculture.

Hydrodynamic analysis of fin–fin interactions in two-manta-ray schooling in the vertical plane

“…Aquatic animal swimming has inspired scientists to design robotic devices such as autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), and this expanding interest motivates many to study the mechanism behind thrust and lift generation across a range of swimmers. While there is considerable interest in mimicking the body-caudal-fin (BCF) mode of propulsion used by ray-finned fishes like tuna [1][2][3][4], the desire to replicate the median-paired-fin (MPF) mode of motion seen in batoid fishes, such as manta rays, has also been on the rise [5,6]. In BCF swimming, fish utilize traveling-wave undulation of the body midline, adopting the caudal fin (CF) as the main propulsor [4].…”

A Bioinspired Cownose Ray Robot for Seabed Exploration

“…The Bionic Fish uses three mechanisms actuated with a phase delay to recreate the traveling wave in each fin; these mechanisms are articulated so that they accurately reproduce the curvature of the fin [ 22 ]. Similarly, the Manta Ray Robot has fins actuated by an articulated mechanism actuated by two servomotors which recreate the curvature and the traveling wave on the fin [ 23 ]. The Manta Robot has three motors for each fin which give it excellent maneuverability thanks to the control algorithm based on phase oscillators [ 24 ].…”

Design of a Bioinspired Underwater Glider for Oceanographic Research

“…Dong et al [ 49 ] presented the biomimetic design of a whale-shark-like underwater glider, in order to combine high maneuverability and long duration. Zhang et al [ 50 ] addressed the biomimetic design of a manta ray robot, combining gliding and flapping propulsion systems. Wang et al [ 51 ] developed an underwater torpedo-shaped glider with a caudal fin to enable bidirectional maneuverability.…”

“…Gliders, among other underwater vehicles, have been of high interest for oceanographic research due to their energy efficiency and long-range sampling capabilities. Although one can find bioinspired glider designs such as the ones in [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ], no reports have been found regarding underwater gliders inspired by leatherback sea turtles ( Dermochelys coriacea ), which are known to have a superior diving ability and to be highly adapted to pelagic swimming, thanks to the five longitudinal ridges on their carapace, which result in enhanced hydrodynamic performances [ 53 ]. Hence, this work addresses the bioinspired design of an underwater glider that can operate for several months with low energy consumption, by using the principles found in the aforementioned leatherback sea turtles.…”