An eel-like robot based on a dielectric elastomer (IMAGE)

PLOS

An eel-like robot based on a dielectric elastomer

Caption

An underwater robot developed by NTNU. This study first establishes a cylindrical dynamic model of dielectric elastomers to deeply analyze the deformation behavior of DEs under the action of electric fields and radial forces. Subsequently, taking the eel as the bionic object, tubular actuators and tubular segment drive modules for improving manufacturability are designed. These modules are connected in series and the head component, tail component and tail fin are installed, eventually creating an eel-like robot based on dielectric elastomers.

Credit

Chenghong Zhang, 2025, PLOS One, CC-BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

Usage Restrictions

Credit must be given to the creator.

License

CC BY

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