Underwater Vehicle Propelled by Blasts of Water

Feb-07-15 A new octopus-inspired underwater vehicle darts through the water by expelling a blast of water from its on-board balloon.

Created by an international team of researchers, the vehicle is made up of a 3D-printed polycarbonate skeleton that has been partially covered with an elastic skin. The robot has no moving parts or energy storage devices, and instead propels itself by inflating the balloon with water and then releasing the water quickly to create a forward thrust. Fins at the rear of the device help to keep it moving in a straight line.

The robot can accelerate up to ten body lengths in less than a second, a performance that is unprecedented in underwater vehicles.

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[GIZMAG.COM]
[SOUTHAMPTON.AC.UK]

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