An underwater hexapod robot, driven by six C-shaped legs and eight thrusters, has the potential to traverse diverse terrains with unknown deformable properties, which can lead to unknown leg–terrain interaction forces. However, it is hard to use exteroceptive sensors such as cameras and sonars to recognize these properties. Here we propose a method to perceive the interaction … [Read more...] about Terrain-Adaptive Locomotion Control for an Underwater Hexapod Robot: Sensing Leg–Terrain Interaction With Proprioceptive Sensors
Robots
Marine Sediment Sampling With an Underwater Legged Robot: A User-Driven Sampling Approach for Microplastic Analysis
In this work we present a novel system for marine sediment sampling aimed at microplastic (MP) assessment studies. The system is composed of a medium-sized underwater legged robot (ULR) equipped with a customized sampler consisting of a grab mounted on an underactuated mechanism. The system was developed following the requirements of marine biologists actively involved in MP … [Read more...] about Marine Sediment Sampling With an Underwater Legged Robot: A User-Driven Sampling Approach for Microplastic Analysis
Opportunistic (Re)planning for Long-Term Deep-Ocean Inspection: An Autonomous Underwater Architecture
Robots are increasingly used in subsea environments because of their positive impact on human safety and operational capabilities in the deep ocean. However, achieving full autonomy remains challenging because of the extreme conditions they encounter. In this context, we propose an autonomous underwater architecture for long-term deep-ocean inspection that robustly plans … [Read more...] about Opportunistic (Re)planning for Long-Term Deep-Ocean Inspection: An Autonomous Underwater Architecture
Recent Developments of Subsurface Small-Leak Detection Techniques in Water Distribution Networks: A Review
The urban population grappling with water scarcity is projected to reach two billion people by 2050. Therefore, mitigating leaks in the water distribution networks (WDNs) becomes crucial for better future water security. This review article summarizes the present detection capabilities concerning small leaks (less than 1 L/s). The scope of the review encompasses experiments and … [Read more...] about Recent Developments of Subsurface Small-Leak Detection Techniques in Water Distribution Networks: A Review
RoboTwin: A Platform to Study Hydrodynamic Interactions in Schooling Fish
By living and moving in groups, fish can gain many benefits, such as heightened predator detection, greater hunting efficiency, more accurate environmental sensing, and energy saving. Although the benefits of hydrodynamic interactions in schooling fish have drawn growing interest in fields such as biology, physics, and engineering, and multiple hypotheses for how such benefits … [Read more...] about RoboTwin: A Platform to Study Hydrodynamic Interactions in Schooling Fish