Biologically inspired micro-robotic swimmers remotely controlled by ultrasound waves

We report a two-bubble based micro-swimmer that can be propelled and steered entirely using one ultrasound transducer.

Bioinspired Propulsion Mechanisms Based on Manta Ray Locomotion

Mobuliform swimmers are inspiring novel approaches to the design of underwater vehicles. These swimmers, exemplified by manta rays, present a model for new classes of efficient, highly maneuverable, autonomous undersea vehicles. To improve our understanding of the unsteady propulsion mechanisms used by these swimmers, we report detailed studies of the performance of robotic swimmers that mimic aspects of the animal propulsive mechanisms. We highlight the importance of the undulatory aspect of producing efficient manta ray propulsion and show that there is a strong interaction between the propulsive performance and the flexibility of the actuating surfaces.