Design and development of a biomimetic jellyfish robot that features ionic polymer metal composites actuators

Joseph Najem, Barbar Akle, Stephen A. Sarles, Donald J. Leo

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

14 Scopus citations

Abstract

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and characterization of a second generation biomimetic jellyfish robot that uses ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) as flexible actuators for propulsion. The shape and swimming style of this underwater vehicle are based on the Aurelia aurita jellyfish, which has an average swimming speed of 13 mm/s and which is known for a high swimming efficiency. The critical components of the vehicle include the flexible bell that provides the overall shape and dimensions of the jellyfish, a central hub used to provide electrical connections and mechanical support to the actuators, and flexible IPMC actuators that extend radially from the central hub. In order to provide increased shape holding ability and reduced weight, the bell is fabricated from a commercially available heat-shrinkable polymer film. A new lightweight hub has been designed and was fabricated by 3D printing using ABS plastic material. The hub features internal electrical contacts for providing voltage to the individual IPMC actuators. Finally, a new set of IPMC actuators are manufactured using the Direct Assembly Process (DAP). The IPMC actuators constructed for this study demonstrated peak-to-peak strains of ∼ 0.7% in water across a frequency range of 0.1-1.0Hz. By tailoring the applied voltage waveform and the flexibility of the bell, the completed robotic jellyfish swam at maximum speed of 1.5 mm/s.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationASME 2011 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2011
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
Pages691-698
Number of pages8
ISBN (Print)9780791854723
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2011
EventASME 2011 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2011 - Scottsdale, AZ, United States
Duration: Sep 18 2011Sep 21 2011

Publication series

NameASME 2011 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2011
Volume2

Other

OtherASME 2011 Conference on Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, SMASIS 2011
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityScottsdale, AZ
Period9/18/119/21/11

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Civil and Structural Engineering
  • Biomaterials

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