Motivation

Underwater vehicles, or Unmanned underwater vehicle (UUVs), are used in numerous applications ranging from underwater mine-clearing to scientific exploration. However, compared to biological swimmers, traditional submarine-style UUVs have relatively low manoeuvrability and can produce disruptive wakes. The conventional UUVs have large radius of turns and are not the quickest underwater.

Researchers have extensively studied stingray's biological features, locomotion and tried to understand their dynamics underwater and several roboticists have tried to incorporate these understandings in designing stingray-inspired undulating motion incorporated underwater vehicles (autonomous as well as hardwired).

In this project, we plan to explore the utility of a stingray- inspired UUV /robot for improved maneuverability in swimming while trying to keep their speed as quick as possible. (Goal: To beat minimum turning radius under water and reach velocity atleast between 0.18-0.35 bodylengths/sec.)