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Robot AquaPenguins Soar Underwater
Take a look at the robot AquaPenguins shown below. These robots were created by Festo as part of their bionic learning project. They navigate independently and can communicate with each other - just like real penguins!
(Festo robot AquaPenguin with skin off)
This robot has a body that flexes in a remarkable way; it is much more than just a rigid "submarine" body with flippers attached (compare with the Robot Turtle Madeline, which is still cool, I'm just saying that flexible has its advantages).
Watch this remarkable autonomous underwater vehicle determine its position with 3D sonar. You'll enjoy the Festo robot AquaPenguin video below.
"The bionic penguins can become autonomous underwater vehicles in the water pool and have self-guided navigation. They have a 3D sonar, which, similar to dolphins, is used to communicate with the environment and other robot penguins as possible. For example, in order to avoid collisions.An absolute novelty in the robot technology is a fuselage that moves in all directions. The hull design of the penguins in the automation can be as flexible tripod arrangement, and so used in handling equipment for factories or other applications.
I love underwater robots; see if you can find a new favorite:
- Spray: First Underwater Autonomous Vehicle To Cross Gulf Stream
Why can't this robot look more like a penguin? - Squid Robot Underwater Inspector Has Unique Propulsion
It uses rubber panels on the sides to "fly" in a manner more similar to skates and stingrays. - Sawfish Underwater Lumberjack Robot
The Triton Sawfish™ Underwater Harvester is the world's first viable marine technology for logging underwater forests.
She set the fish down. "Now I’m turning it on."The Mitsubishi turbot wriggled, as if alive. With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.
Find out more in this helpful Festo robot aquapenguin video and don't miss the remarkable way that its body moves; thanks to our friends from frolix_8 for pointing this one out.
Scroll down for more stories in the same category. (Story submitted 4/20/2009)
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