Swimming mechanics of dragonfly nymph and the application to robotics

Issue title: INABIO 2006

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sudo, Seiichi^{a; *} | Tsuyuki, Koji^b | Honda, Takashi^c

Affiliations: [a] Faculty of Systems Science and Technology, Akita Prefectural University, Ebinokuchi 84-4, Yurihonjo 015-0055, Japan | [b] Iwaki Meisei University, Iwaki 970-8551, Japan | [c] Kyushu Institute of Technology, Kitakyushu 804-8550, Japan

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author. Tel.: +81 184 27 2111; Fax: +81 184 27 2188; E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: This paper concerned with the development of swimming micro mechanism based on the study of swimming functions and mechanisms of the minute organisms. At the beginning, this paper describes the swimming analysis of a dragonfly nymph using the high speed video camera system. It was found that dragonfly nymphs can swim skillfully by reciprocating motions consisting of a power stroke and a recovery stroke. Based on the swimming analysis of the dragonfly nymph, the micro swimming robot with the wireless energy supply system was produced. Driving elements of the micro swimming robot are composed of NdFeB permanent magnet, polystyrene body, and a polyethyleneterephthalate film fin. Frequency characteristics of the micro swimming robot propelled by the alternating magnetic field and small permanent magnet were examined experimentally.

Keywords: Swimming analysis, dragonfly nymph, swimming robot, magnetic micro machine

DOI: 10.3233/JAE-2008-925

Journal: International Journal of Applied Electromagnetics and Mechanics, vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 163-175, 2008