FERROMAGNETIC SOFT ROBOT BIO-MIMETICALLY INSPIRED

Nature has adapted to allow the survival of its species through the development of several forms, materials, techniques and processes. These features, such as flying, defensive and offensive mechanisms and many others have inspired researchers, creative and enthusiasts into developing artificial solutions that mimic their natural counterparts. Early developments of biomimetic involved large structures, however, with current advances in mechanics, electronics, and computer science the development of micro and nano structures is allowing the creation of more complex, flexible and portable structures resembling biological features found in nature. These advances in robotics may help solve or improve tasks otherwise difficult with traditional robotics. This paper focuses on the design and development of soft-robotic manta ray prototype whose motion is controlled using magnetic fields over a body composed of a ferro-fluid. The goal is to explore magnetics actuation as an alternate mean to control and reduce soft-robotics size as an alternative to current traditional mechanical or electromechanical biomimetic developments and even shape memory alloys.