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A miniature surface tension-driven robot mimicking the water-surface locomotion of water strider

  • Harbin Institute of Technology

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

Aiming at mimicking water strider's water-surface locomotion, this study proposes a new miniature surface tension-driven robot. A key feature of this robot is that its actuating legs possess ellipse-like spatial trajectories like water strider by using a cam-link mechanism, and never pierces water surface when rowing. A set of simple models and equations are proposed to analyze the interaction forces between leg and water as well as the critical condition for a leg penetrating a water surface. The final fabricated robot weights about 3.9 g with a load capacity of 5.6 g. By controlling the motions of actuating legs, the robot can freely and stably walk on water with different gaits. The maximum forward and turning speeds of the robot are measured as 16 cm/s and 23 °/s, respectively. Moreover, a similarity analysis with Bond Number and Weber Number reveals that the locomotion of this robot is quite analogous to that of a water strider: surface tension force dominates the lifting force and plays a major role in the propulsion.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publication2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015
PublisherInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Inc.
Pages3172-3177
Number of pages6
EditionJune
ISBN (Electronic)9781479969234
DOIs
StatePublished - 29 Jun 2015
Event2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015 - Seattle, United States
Duration: 26 May 201530 May 2015

Publication series

NameProceedings - IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation
NumberJune
Volume2015-June
ISSN (Print)1050-4729

Conference

Conference2015 IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, ICRA 2015
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySeattle
Period26/05/1530/05/15

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