Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University, Houghton, MI 49931, United States of America.
Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, United States of America.
Bioinspir Biomim. 2021 Oct 25;16(6). doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac253c.
Inspired by creatures that have naturally mastered locomotion on the air-water interface, we developed and built a self-powered, remotely controlled surfing robot capable of traversing this boundary by harnessing surface tension modification for both propulsion and steering through a controlled release of isopropyl alcohol. In this process, we devised and implemented novel release valve and steering mechanisms culminating in a surfer with distinct capabilities. Our robot measures about 110 mm in length and can travel as fast as 0.8 body length per second. Interestingly, we found that the linear speed of the robot follows a 1/3 power law with the release rate of the propellant. Additional maneuverability tests also revealed that the robot is able to withstand 20 mm sin centripetal acceleration while turning. Here, we thoroughly discuss the design, development, performance, overall capabilities, and ultimate limitations of our robotic surfer.
受能够在气液界面自然掌握运动的生物启发，我们开发并制造了一种自供电、远程控制的冲浪机器人，它能够通过控制释放异丙醇来改变表面张力，从而实现推进和转向，从而跨越这一边界。在这个过程中，我们设计并实施了新颖的释放阀和转向机构，最终使冲浪者具有独特的能力。我们的机器人长约 110 毫米，最快速度可达每秒 0.8 个体长。有趣的是，我们发现机器人的线速度与推进剂的释放速率遵循 1/3 次幂定律。此外，机动性测试还表明，机器人在转弯时能够承受 20 毫米的向心加速度。在这里，我们将深入讨论我们的机器人冲浪者的设计、开发、性能、整体能力和最终限制。
