Robotic underwater propulsion inspired by the octopus multi-arm swimming

Michael Sfakiotakis*, Asimina Kazakidi, Nikolaos Pateromichelakis, John A. Ekaterinaris, Dimitris P. Tsakiris

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution book

25 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

The multi-arm morphology of octopus-inspired robotic systems may allow their aquatic propulsion, in addition to providing manipulation functionalities, and enable the development of flexible robotic tools for underwater applications. In the present paper, we consider the multi-arm swimming behavior of the octopus, which is different than their, more usual, jetting behavior, and is often used to achieve higher propulsive speeds, e.g., for chasing prey. A dynamic model of a robot with a pair of articulated arms is employed to study the generation of this mode of propulsion. The model includes fluid drag contributions, which we support by detailed Computational Fluid Dynamic analysis. To capture the basic characteristics of octopus multi-arm swimming a sculling mode is proposed, involving arm oscillations with an asymmetric speed profile. Parametric simulations were used to identify the arm oscillation characteristics that optimize propulsion for sculling, as well as for undulatory arm motions. Tests with a robotic prototype in a water tank provide preliminary validation of our analysis.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2012 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation (ICRA)
Place of PublicationPiscataway, NJ
PublisherIEEE
Pages3833-3839
Number of pages7
ISBN (Print)9781467314039
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 28 Jun 2012

Keywords

  • biologically-Inspired Robots
  • hydrodynamics
  • octopus
  • underwater propulsion

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Robotic underwater propulsion inspired by the octopus multi-arm swimming'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this