BionicFinWave

Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany · 2018

Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany BionicFinWave (1)Festo Bionic Learning Network, Germany BionicFinWave (2)
Not soldCorporate technology demonstrator
Not for sale (research)Not programmableFesto bionicsUndulating fins3D-printedPipe inspection concept
Not soldShipping: Not sold. Trade-show demonstrator. Festo does not sell it.
Remote control: Not possible. Demonstrator streams telemetry to a tablet but has no public control API.
Festo: BionicFinWave ↗

Overview

Inspired by cuttlefish, marine flatworms and knifefish, BionicFinWave swims by sending a continuous wave along two silicone side fins, which lets it move slowly and precisely and even reverse. Festo demonstrated it navigating autonomously through a transparent pipe system while reporting temperature and pressure wirelessly, as a concept for inspection in water and wastewater plants. Festo unveiled it in June 2018 alongside its bionic spider and flying-fox robots.

Specifications

CategorySwimming robots · Robot fish & biomimetic swimmers
Released2018
AvailabilityNot for sale (research)
ProgrammabilityNo programmability
Best forProfessionals & labs
Vision sensorsSonar / ultrasonic
ActuatorsUnknown
AudioNo audio
Compute typeProprietary / undisclosed
Remote controlNot programmable
Size370 mm long, 430 g
PropulsionTwo silicone longitudinal fins driven by two servo motors via 3D-printed crankshafts, a third servo bends the body to climb or dive
Depth ratingAcrylic-glass pipe system (demonstrator)
Tether / commsUntethered, radio module transmits sensor data to a tablet
CameraNone
SensorsPressure sensor and ultrasound distance sensors in the nose, temperature logging
RuntimeNot published
SpeedNot published
ComputeOnboard PCB with processor and radio module
SDKNone public

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits