Submarine robot for shallow waters

A new type of swimming robot developed by researchers at Bath University could lead to improved submersible devices for applications such as the inspection of oil rigs.

Conventional submarine robots are powered by propellers that are heavy, inefficient and can get tangled in weeds.

In contrast, Gymnobot, created by researchers from the Ocean Technologies Lab in Bath’s department of mechanical engineering, is powered by a fin that runs the length of the underside of its rigid body. The fin undulates to make a wave in the water to propel the robot forward.

The researchers believe the design, inspired by the Amazonian knifefish, will be more energy efficient than conventional propellers and allow the robot to navigate shallow water near the seashore.

It is proposed that one application for the Gymnobot could be for filming and studying the diverse marine life near the seashore. Conventional submersible robots would have difficulty manoeuvring because the shallow water, with its complex environment of rocks and marine plants, can tangle a propeller.