We've talked about robots that are flying high, crawling around like bugs and worms, and sailing the seas chasing storms and sharks. The robots that swim include underwater unmanned vehicles (UUVs), which are used primarily for inspection, data capture, and surveillance. The latest example is modeled after a tuna.
The Department of Homeland Security's Science and Technology Directorate has funded the development of the BIOSwimmer (Biomimetic In Oil Swimmer). This autonomous UUV is designed to resemble a tuna, because that fish is one of the fastest in the sea. Tunas have remarkably streamlined bodies, are highly maneuverable, and possess finely tuned muscular, sensory, and control systems.
The BIOSwimmer is shown in the water during testing. The line is a camera tether. (Source: Boston Engineering Corporation's Advanced Systems Group)
Boston Engineering Corporation's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) in Waltham, Mass., designed the BIOSwimmer to be easily maneuverable in harsh environments, constricted spaces, and oily waters. A flexible framework lets the UUV inspect "the interior voids of ships such as flooded bilges and tanks, and hard to reach external areas such as steerage, propulsion and sea chests," according to a press release. (Um, sea chests? That last item may be a tongue-in-cheek reference to the fact that the announcement was made Sep. 19, International Talk Like a Pirate Day.)
According to Boston Engineering's project report describing Phase I, the BIOSwimmer was originally designed to search for contraband in the filled compartments of oil tankers, and its sensing systems include sonar. UUVs like the BIOSwimmer may also be used for security tasks such as searches, inspections, and protection of harbors and piers. (See: Slideshow: Nautical Robots Rule the Waves.)
The robotic tuna has a flexible aft section and fins. Like many UUVs, it is battery-powered and designed for long-term operation. Also, its navigation, sensor processing, and communications are orchestrated by an onboard computer suite. The BIOSwimmer's Operator Control Unit, which is meant to give users intuitive control and simple, mission-defined versatility, is laptop-based.
According to its designers, the BIOSwimmer is unique in its internal components and external sensing mechanisms, which are built to function in high-viscosity fluids and highly constricted spaces. Its sensor payloads are interchangeable, and its operator controls can be reconfigured and optimized for a variety of specific tactical missions.
Wow, of all the animal-like robots you've reported on, Ann, this one really takes a page from its animal muse. I could see these robot tunas combing through rough waters and countless fisherman after them for the daily catch. Amazing, in terms of design, any way.
You bring up a very good point in regards to fishermen capturing tuna. I wonder if the design team thought about the fishing scenario and has provided a mechanism to protect there robot from fisherman. As always, Ann, a very good article on robotic applications. Keep them coming!!
That's an interesting point about fishermen and this robot tuna. Unless they're fishing near downed oil tankers, it may not be a problem. (And if they are, I hope I don't eat their tuna!)
Ann, this is really amazing, and one of the more appropriate bio inspired designs you have reported on. I was just wondering, though, if you put a bunch of them together, would they form schools? That would be a great sight. It might also help catch people fishing illegally.
Lou, schooling in fish is basically swarming behavior--the term swarming is taken from insects, but the collective movements and communication are the same idea in robotics, whether the model is a flock of birds, a swarm of insects or a school of fish. These robotic tuna were designed to operate individually, not in groups via swarming behavior. But that would be an interesting option.
It would be fantastic if this is used to detect small leaks (that often lead to bigger problems) in oil tankers, rigs, etc. They could be repaired before there's a problem. Being ablt to navigate through oily water, after a spill, is useful too.
We'll need the earthworm equivalent very soon to help with the new oil pipelines.
Nadine, I like your earthworm equivalent idea. There are robotic snakes/worms used in medicine for detecting various substances. I wonder if those, or similar technology, could be ruggedized and adapted for pipelines?
By refining topologies and using new fluid technology, Moog's new peak sine drive controller increases available power without increasing controller volume.
Two new introductions in the world of motion drives for automation are moving toward use of standard Ethernet communications, eliminating the use of custom hardware.
From Dell / Intel® New Paradigms in Design Work Scott Hamilton, vertical market strategist for Dell Precision workstations, 5/2/2013 3
Early in my career, I worked as a draftsman and remember the days of drawing on vellum with numbered pencils and Mylar with plastic lead. This was a fun experience in the sense that I ...
I've been using workstations for more than 10 years and love finding ways to get more performance from my system. With demanding professional applications that require more power each ...
A lasting memory from my first job as an engineer in an auto assembly plant is standing on hard concrete at six in the morning, vending-machine coffee clutched in hand, listening to ...
A quick look into the merger of two powerhouse 3D printing OEMs and the new leader in rapid prototyping solutions, Stratasys. The industrial revolution is now led by 3D printing and engineers are given the opportunity to fully maximize their design capabilities, reduce their time-to-market and functionally test prototypes cheaper, faster and easier. Bruce Bradshaw, Director of Marketing in North America, will explore the large product offering and variety of materials that will help CAD designers articulate their product design with actual, physical prototypes. This broadcast will dive deep into technical information including application specific stories from real world customers and their experiences with 3D printing. 3D Printing is
To save this item to your list of favorite Design News content so you can find it later in your Profile page, click the "Save It" button next to the item.
If you found this interesting or useful, please use the links to the services below to share it with other readers. You will need a free account with each service to share an item via that service.
Tweet This
1 
