The robot-turtle uses it front flippers for propulsion, and the rear two for steering
University of Notre Dame
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The robot-turtle uses it front flippers for propulsion, and the rear two for steering
University of Notre Dame
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Nnamdi Chikere (left) and John Simon McElroy watch as the robot makes its way over a bed of rocks
University of Notre Dame
Just last week, we heard about a robotic baby sea turtle that can “swim” through the sand. It’s not the only robo-turtle in town, though, as another one has been developed to possibly one day lead real baby turtles to the safety of the sea.
The land-crawling robot was designed at the University of Notre Dame by Prof. Yasemin Ozkan-Aydin, electrical engineering doctoral student Nnamdi Chikere, and John Simon McElroy, a visiting undergraduate student from University College Dublin.
At the base of the remote-control device is a 3D-printed rigid polymer body which incorporates an electronic control unit, a multi-sensor module, and a battery.
Attached to that body via swiveling polymer connectors are four flexible molded-silicone flippers. Each of those appendages is independently activated, with the two large front flippers providing propulsion over sand or other surfaces, and the small rear flippers used to steer – they work sort of like a couple of rudders.
Nnamdi Chikere (left) and John Simon McElroy watch as the robot makes its way over a bed of rocksUniversity of Notre Dame
The robot’s gait can be adapted for optimum performance over various types of terrain, and incorporates what are described as the most effective aspects of different locomotion patterns employed by different species of sea turtles.
And while the bot has been developed mainly to gain a better understanding of how turtle-style locomotion could be applied to human technology, it is hoped that a future version of the device could be used to help newly hatched baby sea turtles quickly find their way to the ocean. Such hatchlings can be led astray by litter on the beach or the lights from nearby streets and buildings, leaving them exposed to terrestrial predators such as seagulls.
You can see the robot in action, in the video below.
Robotic Sea Turtle
Source: University of Notre Dame
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Based out of Edmonton, Canada, Ben Coxworth has been writing for New Atlas since 2009 and is presently Managing Editor for North America. An experienced freelance writer, he previously obtained an English BA from the University of Saskatchewan, then spent over 20 years working in various markets as a television reporter, producer and news videographer. Ben is particularly interested in scientific innovation, human-powered transportation, and the marine environment.
