A Lightweight, Efficient, and Cost Effective Bionic Fish

Ryan Zhang*, Jada Rue*, Ryan Hu*, Steven Andrade*
18 Shilongshan Rd, Xihu District Hangzhou, 310024 China
Westlake University Symposium
*Indicates Equal Contribution
Poster Code

The robotic fish swimming in the Westlake campus river ring.

Abstract

Robotic fish represents a fascinating intersection of biology and technology, designed to mimic the hydrodynamics of real world aquatic creatures. In the early stages of development, engineers focused primarily on creating mechanical models that could swim underwater with some degree of realism. These early prototypes were often bulky and limited in their capabilities, relying on basic programming and simple mechanical systems. Today, robotic fish are used in a variety of applications, ranging from environmental monitoring to underwater exploration and surveillance. Their ability to navigate complex underwater environments with agility and precision makes them valuable tools for scientific research and industrial purposes. As technology continues to evolve, robotic fish are poised to play an increasingly important role in our understanding of aquatic ecosystems and in enhancing our capabilities in underwater exploration.

Impact of ROVs

Environmental Impacts

Minimal Disturbance to Marine Life: Biomimetic robotic fish, designed to mimic the natural movements of marine animals, generate less noise and water disturbance compared to traditional propeller-driven submersibles. This reduces stress and disruption to marine life, preserving natural behaviors and ecosystems.

Pollution Monitoring and Reduction: ROVs equipped with sensors can monitor water quality, detecting pollutants and hazardous substances. This data is crucial for identifying pollution sources and implementing measures to mitigate environmental damage.

Habitat Restoration: Robotic fish can be employed in projects aimed at restoring damaged coral reefs and other critical habitats. By conducting detailed surveys and aiding in the placement of artificial structures, these robots support conservation efforts.

Sustainable Practices: The development of efficient, low-impact submersibles promotes sustainable exploration and exploitation of ocean resources. By reducing the environmental footprint of underwater operations, ROVs contribute to more responsible marine resource management.

Impact on Future Discoveries

Deep-Sea Exploration: ROVs and robotic fish enable the exploration of previously inaccessible deep-sea environments. They can operate at great depths, withstanding extreme pressures, thus opening new frontiers for scientific research.

Biodiversity Studies: These technologies allow for detailed studies of marine biodiversity. By documenting species and their interactions in various habitats, scientists can better understand ecosystem dynamics and the effects of environmental changes.

Archaeological Discoveries: Underwater ROVs are invaluable in locating and studying shipwrecks and submerged archaeological sites. They provide high-resolution imaging and precise manipulation capabilities, preserving delicate artifacts during excavation.

Climate Change Research: Robotic submersibles play a critical role in monitoring oceanographic conditions related to climate change. They collect data on temperature, salinity, and current patterns, contributing to models that predict future climate scenarios.

Resource Exploration: ROVs are essential in the exploration of underwater resources, such as minerals and hydrocarbons. They conduct geological surveys and sample collection, aiding in the assessment of resource viability while minimizing environmental impact.

Our Team

Ryan
Jada
Ryan
Steven

Acknowledgements

Professor: Dr. Liang (Jason) Gao
We sincerely thank Dr. Liang (Jason) Gao for being with us from the beginning. Although you couldn't see our work to the end, your dedication and hard work in preparing and teaching us were truly appreciated.

Teaching Assistant: Ang (Leon) Li 李昂
A big thank you to Ang (Leon) Li and all the TAs and PAs for your constant support and hard work throughout this process. Your help was invaluable to our success.

From Top Left to Bottom Right: Ryan Zhang, Jada Rue, Ryan Hu, Steven Andrade

Previous Research at Westlake University

Westlake used their research in 2023 to do a further deep sea exploration within the South China Sea. The world's first biomimetic submersible, Sea Guru-I, developed by a team led by Prof. Weicheng Cui and Prof. Dixia Fan at Westlake University, has successfully reached a depth of over 2,000 meters in the South China Sea. This unmanned submersible mimics the manta ray's fin movements for propulsion, making it quieter and less intrusive to marine life. The project faced significant challenges, including designing artificial fins from scratch and selecting suitable materials like high-density polyethylene and aluminum alloy for durability and flexibility. Sea Guru-I's design allows it to perform practical tasks such as ecological monitoring and underwater construction. Despite initial difficulties, it achieved successful dives, demonstrating its operational capabilities and the innovative potential of its young development team.

Sea Guru-I Submersible

Video Examples

Poster

Our Code


    #include "Servo.h" //Servo.h is a library which includes many functions.
    
    Servo servo1, servo2; //create the objects which will call the functions
    
    void setup() {
      servo1.attach(A2); //a servo has three wires, GND, VCC and signal, this line tells the board, the signal wire is connected to A2 pin on the board.
      servo2.attach(A3);
    }
    
    void loop() {
      for (int i = 70; i < 110; i = i + 1) { //make the angle increase from 70 degrees to 110 degrees
        servo1.write(i-40); //make servo1 stop at the angle i
        servo2.write(180 aria-live="" i); //make servo2 stop at the angle 180 - i
        delay(20);
      }
      for (int i = 110; i > 70; i = i - 1) { //make the angle decrease from 110 to 70
        servo1.write(i-40); //make servo1 stop at the angle i
        servo2.write(180 - i); //make servo2 stop at the angle 180 - i
        delay(20);
      }
    }