Octopus inspired underwater robot

Octopuses take water into the cavity in which there are gills, and forcefully push it in the opposite direction of movement. Scientists from Southampton University, MIT and Singapore have developed this technique to create an underwater robot.



The device has a rigid polycarbonate frame printed on a 3D printer. The frame is covered with a cylinder of elastic material. The pump pumps water into the balloon and inflates it. After disconnection from the pump, the cylinder releases water, which allows you to move forward. The fins on the back of the device help to maintain direction, and the frame saves from complete emptying.

Although such a robot octopus seems to be a toy, scientists claim that it can cover a distance of ten lengths of the device itself in less than a second. Among submarines he has no equal.
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The technology can be used in the development of underwater research machines with remote control and autonomous underwater vehicles.