Inspired by biological underwater locomotion of the Bigfin Reef Squid, Owen is undertaking the project of building a robotic submarine employing soft, flexible materials for oscillating wings and cam shaft design for wing actuation.Â
The Bigfin Reef Squid uses a unique, large oscillating fin on either side of its body for locomotion. Using flexible TPU and rigid linkages that will rise and fall sinusoidally, this robotic submarine will mimic the locomotion of this squid to examine the efficiency and effectiveness of this locomotion strategy.