Brentlim, as we mention in the article, this research is not theoretical, designed to come up with a generic swimming platform. Instead, it's 100% targeted at sports-related apps, specifically competitive swimmers, and optimized swimsuit design for same.
My thoughts as well. Why look to the human form for a model of a swimming platform? Fascinating project and quite a feat to be able to accomplish, but why not look to a more efficient model for swimming than the human form?
Hello Ann. I definitely will. Robotic systems fascinate me and each year ( if not each month ) there seem to be advancements that just amaze. I definitely will take a look at SWUM and see if I can gain additional information; then I'll certainly will let you know.
bobjengr, if you can figure out what they're doing with programming language or control methodology by checking out SWUM or downloading the sample app, please let us know.
This research is aimed 100% at sports-related apps, as stated in the article (competitive swimmers, optimized swimsuit design for same). Not at anything as practical as search-and-rescue, or replacing lifeguards.
Yes, this is basic research stretched to its limits. I guess we never know when something like this could serve as a foundation for a breakthrough in another area, but it's hard to imagine what it could be.
This is a fascinating article and a good report but I must agree with Jerry, it seems to be a misuse of technical resources; i.e. time, money, CFD, etc. Then again, sometimes the greatest break-throughs comes from seemingly trivial pursuits. I think this exercise must be aimed at other than saving lives. I would like to know more about the control methodology and what language was used to program the device.
Having watched hundreds of lifeguard rescues using jet skis here on the Southern California beaches, I don't think any humanoid shape could match that performance. Watch how jet skis take surfers out to huge waves during professional competition, then speed out of the way of the huge wave before it breaks. Also, a skilled person paddling on a surfboard is faster than any human swimmer, as lifeguards also use surfboards for doing rescues.
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