Aside from the fact that this robot may be able to help clean up oil spills, a worthy cause, I especially liked the fact that it combines two different types of movement to help it navigate through different conditions of water and obstacles in water. That's not intuitively obvious and also not trivial from a mechanical design standpoint.
Those are definitely two of the most interesting things about this robot for sure, Ann. The glide mode is especially interesting. I wonder if there could be an energy harvesting option in which the robot can harvest energy from its own movement?
Elizabeth, that would make a lot of sense. I bet you're thinking of the Wave Glider design, which does exactly that. The energy harvested from such designs is usually only enough to help keep it going, not enough to power much else, unless combined with solar panels.
Ah yes, the wave gliders run on solar power, I think...and keep themselves afloat in this way. Well at least the energy can be used for the robot itself, which is pretty good. And then if memory serves I believe someone even designed a recharging station in the sea where the gliders can repower. Imagine all of these fishy robots swimming around doing their job in the ocean and then stopping off at the recharge station to refuel by charging up! I don't think the idea is so far fetched.
Actually, the Wave Gliders' propulsion system mechanically converts wave motion into forward movement, but their instruments are powered by solar energy. So I thought you might have them in mind when making the comment about these robotic fish and energy-harvesting.
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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
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