Abstract
A researcher at FAU has developed a soft robotic jellyfish with environmental sensing and monitoring capabilities. Similar to a real jellyfish, the robotic jellyfish has a central body and nine tentacles. The central body contains the power source, control logic, and any desired marine sensors. The tentacles are divided into groups of three and contain a soft actuator connected to a submersible impeller pump that fills and empties, causing the tentacles to flap and propel the jellyfish through the water. A control actuation scheme is designed to allow for run times in excess of 3 hours between charges. The robot is also equipped with Bluetooth communication to support interaction with divers.
The prototype robot jellyfish demonstrated lateral and vertical motions, as well as station-keeping ability. Additionally, the adaptive controller allowed the robot to sustain an ordered depth and operate down to depths of 18 meters. The jellyfish achieved an average speed of 1 cm/s in the lateral direction and up to 2 cm/s in the vertical direction.
FAU is seeking partners to advance this technology into the marketplace through licensing or development partnerships.
Benefit
3-hour run timeOperates at depths of 18 metersAbility for bluetooth communication with diverMarket Application
RoboticsPublications
Thrust Force Characterization of Free-Swimming Soft Robotic Jellyfish
Brochure
