A team of scientists from the University of Bristol has created an aquatic robot with an innovative propulsion system. This system, which mimics the way fish flick their tails to move through the water, uses a modified version of a twisted and coiled polymer (TCP).
TCPs are polymers that resemble a coiled line, similar to a telephone handset cord. When heated, it contracts, as if it were a muscle, and when the heat is removed, it returns to its original length. However, these types of devices have a limitation, since they cannot produce repetitive movements quickly, since they take at least a second to contract again.
Aquatic robot propulsion system
To solve this problem, scientists have created a propulsion system that combines a conductive TCP and a conventional steel spring. These elements are located throughout the robot and are connected to a flapping mechanism on the robot’s tail. When an electrical current is applied to the TCP, it heats up and contracts, causing the tail to move to one side and the spring to stretch. When the electrical current stops and the TCP relaxes, the spring contracts and moves the tail to the other side. In this way, the robot can produce repetitive movements quickly.
Tests in the water tank
In tests carried out in a water tank, which you can see in the video above, the robot was able to swim with a flapping frequency of two waves per second. Scientists are now incorporating this technology into a more agile robotic knifefish, which has a drill-shaped fin that extends along its underside.
Innovation in the application of TCP
According to Tsam Lung You, PhD student and leader of the research team, “Our robotic fish swam at the fastest actuation frequency found in a real TCP application and also at the highest locomotion speed of a TCP application so far.” . This is really exciting as it opens up more TCP application opportunities in different areas.”
This research project is one more example of how nature can be a source of inspiration for the creation of new technologies. The ability of fish to move efficiently and quickly through the water has been replicated in this aquatic robot with an innovative propulsion system. This technology could have applications in different areas, such as underwater exploration, maritime surveillance and conservation of the aquatic environment.
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