Pleobot: a modular robotic solution for metachronal swimming.

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 li

SUBMITTER: Oliveira Santos S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10264458 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature