This technology is a flapping-based underwater robot that achieves combined twisting and bending motions within a flexible base material through the physical integration of intelligent materials that respond to external control signals and directional materials that restrict deformation in specific directions.
Existing structures based on intelligent materials are limited to linear or out-of-plane bending, and technical challenges regarding miniaturization and continuous motion have persisted due to complex structural designs and bulky drive components.
This technology proposes a method to induce a difference in twisting angles between the first and second strokes by designing the placement of intelligent materials and the physical orientation of directional materials. This allows for efficient underwater thrust generation without the need for complex joints or multiple motors. It can be applied to underwater exploration, marine monitoring, and small underwater drones, achieving both miniaturization and low power consumption by utilizing material properties for propulsion instead of complex mechanical parts.
This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology for biomimetic soft morphing-based technology and the development of design and production technology for multi-scale, multi-deployable collaborative robots.
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