Maneuvering of a robotic pike

Abstract

A robotic mechanism is described, called Robopike. The robot has fork length equal to 82cm, and contains 5 motors, a computer and a wireless modem for communication during testing. Details of the construction and testing methods are provided. The testing covered only a small part of the extensive parametric range, and resulted in speeds up to 0.11 body lengths per second and turns of 350 in two seconds. The kinematics of the robot are quantified and analyzed. A non-dimensional number, the Maneuvering Strouhal Number (Stm) is defined based on observations from live fish and previous theoretical developments. Recommendations for further improvements in the maneuvering performance of flexible hull vehicles are derived based on the Maneuvering Strouhal Number (Stm).