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.
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!)
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!!
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?
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.
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.
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