Researchers from the Department of Mechanical and Automation Engineering at the Chinese University of Hong Kong, led by Jie Wang and Cecilia Laschi, have published a comprehensive survey on the advancements and potential of bio-inspired underwater soft robots. This research delves into the innovative field where biology meets robotics, offering solutions to longstanding challenges in ocean exploration.
The ocean, covering over 70% of the Earth’s surface, remains one of the most unexplored and mysterious frontiers. Traditional underwater robots, while robust, often fall short in extreme conditions due to their rigid structures. These robots can generate significant noise and cause damage to delicate marine ecosystems. Enter bio-inspired soft robots: these flexible, adaptable machines draw inspiration from aquatic life forms, offering a gentler, more efficient approach to underwater exploration.
The survey highlights how bio-inspired soft robots can withstand extreme water pressure, minimize drag, and operate with enhanced manipulation and sensing capabilities. By mimicking the forms and functions of marine creatures like jellyfish, octopuses, and fish, these robots achieve superior performance in various underwater tasks. For instance, their soft, flexible bodies allow them to navigate through tight spaces and interact with the environment without causing harm, making them ideal for ecological surveys and resource exploration.
The researchers analyzed design considerations for these robots, focusing on factors such as ambient pressure, temperature, light, and biodiversity. They explored how different bio-inspirations influence the robots’ functionality and efficiency. For example, robots modeled after jellyfish excel in energy-efficient propulsion, while those inspired by octopuses demonstrate remarkable dexterity and adaptability.
The progression from bio-inspired principles to practical applications is a key focus of the survey. The researchers emphasize the importance of translating biological insights into functional robotic designs. This involves understanding the unique adaptations of marine life and integrating these principles into the development of underwater robots. The survey suggests that future advancements in this field could revolutionize ocean exploration, enabling more precise and less intrusive interactions with marine environments.
Looking ahead, the researchers propose several directions for developing the next generation of underwater soft robots. These include enhancing material science to create more durable and flexible components, improving sensing and actuation systems for better environmental interaction, and developing advanced control algorithms to optimize robot performance. Additionally, they advocate for increased collaboration between biologists, engineers, and roboticists to foster innovation and accelerate progress in this interdisciplinary field.
In conclusion, the survey by Jie Wang, Peng Du, Yiyuan Zhang, Zhexin Xie, and Cecilia Laschi provides a thorough overview of the current state and future potential of bio-inspired underwater soft robots. By bridging the gap between biology and robotics, these innovative machines promise to transform ocean exploration, offering new opportunities for resource discovery, ecological protection, and scientific research. As technology advances, the vision of a new generation of underwater soft robots becomes increasingly attainable, heralding a new era of exploration and discovery in the world’s oceans. Read the original research paper here.