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TRIMIS

Bio-inspired underwater robots

PROJECTS
Funding
Estonia
Estonia icon
Duration
-
Status
Complete
Geo-spatial type
Infrastructure Node
STRIA Roadmaps
Vehicle design and manufacturing (VDM)
Low-emission alternative energy for transport (ALT)
Smart mobility and services (SMO)
Infrastructure (INF)
Transport mode
Waterborne icon
Transport policies
Other specified
Transport sectors
Freight transport

Overview

Objectives

We introduce a new paradigm into the field of underwater robotics, namely robots that use new types of:

  • sensing to interpret flow information
  • soft embodiment and flexible actuators that can reduce energy consumption and harvest energy from flow
  • control algorithms that help the vehicle navigate with respect to flow.

The method of this research topic is mainly biomimetics, using and analogy to biological systems to solve problems in engineering. Mostly, it is based on the analogy between:

  • fish lateral line sensing and robotic sensors for flow sensing
  • biological propulsors (fins and flippers) and flexible man-made hydrofoils.

The secondary approach is reverse biomimetics. Namely we use:

  • artificial lateral line sensors to understand river hydrodynamics and migrating fish behaviour in rivers
  • fish robots to understand fish school dynamics and kin recognition.

The proposal advances those technologies from laboratory conditions (TRL4) to field tests in operational environments (TRL7).

Funding

Funding Source
Estonian Research Council

Partners

Lead Organisation
Organisation
Tallinna Tehnika Uelikool
Address
Ehitajate tee 5, 19086 TALLINN, Estonia
Partner Organisations
EU Contribution
€0

Technologies

Technology Theme
Ship design and manufacturing
Technology
Human-centred approach to ship design
TRL
TRL 4
Development phase
Validation

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