2023-06-26 ブラウン大学
◆Pleobotはオキアミの泳ぎ方を再現し、オキアミの泳ぎ方の理解や未来の海洋ロボットの設計につながると期待されています。この研究は、オキアミの泳ぎ方に関する詳細なデータを提供し、海洋探査や捜索救助ミッションに活用できるロボットの開発に役立つ可能性があります。
＜関連情報＞
Pleobot：メタクロナル・スイミングのためのモジュール式ロボット・ソリューション Pleobot: a modular robotic solution for metachronal swimming
Sara Oliveira Santos,Nils Tack,Yunxing Su,Francisco Cuenca-Jiménez,Oscar Morales-Lopez,P. Antonio Gomez-Valdez & Monica M. Wilhelmus
Scientific Reports Published:13 June 2023
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-36185-2
Abstract
Metachronal propulsion is widespread in aquatic swarming organisms to achieve performance and maneuverability at intermediate Reynolds numbers. Studying only live organisms limits our understanding of the mechanisms driving these abilities. Thus, we present the design, manufacture, and validation of the Pleobot—a unique krill-inspired robotic swimming appendage constituting the first platform to study metachronal propulsion comprehensively. We combine a multi-link 3D printed mechanism with active and passive actuation of the joints to generate natural kinematics. Using force and fluid flow measurements in parallel with biological data, we show the link between the flow around the appendage and thrust. Further, we provide the first account of a leading-edge suction effect contributing to lift during the power stroke. The repeatability and modularity of the Pleobot enable the independent manipulation of particular motions and traits to test hypotheses central to understanding the relationship between form and function. Lastly, we outline future directions for the Pleobot, including adapting morphological features. We foresee a broad appeal to a wide array of scientific disciplines, from fundamental studies in ecology, biology, and engineering, to developing new bio-inspired platforms for studying oceans across the solar system.
