3D-Printed Electromagnetic Actuator for Bionic Swimming Robot

Three-dimensional printing has received tremendous interest because of the various potential applications in robotics, electronics, aerospace, and biomedicine. Current initiatives in the development of 3D-printed robotics involve soft bionic structures with functional materials. In this paper, a 3D-printed bionic robotic fish has been designed and fabricated by direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing. The robotic fish consists of four main parts: two-laminated caudal fins, rigid fish body with permanent magnet counted in tail, tiny battery, and controller. The robot is modeled based body/caudal actuation of coaxial circuit actuator. In a driven process, electric energy is transformed into mechanical energy of caudal fins, generating robotic fish swimming movement. With the assistance of 3D printing technique, an underwater robot of well-optimized shape and light weight is manufactured with total size of 200 mm (length) x 50 mm (width) x 30 mm (height). The embedded battery offers power for whole movements, and Arduino controls the waveform of signal. Overall, this robotic fish combines 3D-printed functional structures and embedded electronics in a total compact size with good mobility, showing intensive applications of underwater activities as well as other special tasks.

Automated summary

This paper presents the design and fabrication of a 3D-printed bionic robotic fish, utilizing direct ink writing (DIW) 3D printing technology. The robotic fish is composed of key components such as fins, body, battery, and controller, enabling it to swim through the conversion of electric energy to mechanical energy. With optimized shape and good mobility, this underwater robot showcases extensive applications in underwater activities and other specialized tasks.