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2w ago

Octopus-Inspired Muscles Boost Lift and Cut Drag in Underwater Vehicle Tests

University of Iowa researchers report a peer-reviewed proof of concept that actively reshapes hydrofoil surfaces to control flow.

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This study could make unmanned underwater vehicles more efficient.

Overview

  • The team outfitted a hydrofoil with bioinspired twisted spiral artificial muscles modeled on octopus papillae.
  • Two rows of four coils were installed on each wing, with every coil driven by two tiny electrical motors acting as actuators.
  • Laboratory experiments reported up to 30% higher lift and up to 10% lower drag under specific maneuvers and flow speeds.
  • The authors describe this as the first demonstration of an underwater flow-control device powered by twisted artificial muscles.
  • Published online Aug. 26 in Robotics Reports, the ONR-funded study points to potential gains for unmanned underwater vehicles operating in tight or complex environments.