Parameters that affect the digging of a biologically-inspired underwater borrowing robot

[摘要] RoboClam 2 is a device that burrows based on the movement of the Atlantic razor clam. A functional RoboClam 2 has been built. Testing was conducted in a controlled laboratory environment to determine what parameters of the device and its operation affect its ability to dig both speedily, deeply, and efficiently. Smaller contraction and dilation volume, heavier device weight, and longer contractions above a theoretically calculated minimum fluidizing velocity were all found to correlate with faster digging speed. Future work will involve experimentally determining the minimum fluidizing velocity and the effect of contraction speed on digging ability.

[发布机构] Massachusetts Institute of Technology