• NEWS
    • 3D Printers
    • 3D Softwares
    • 3D Scanners
    • Business
    • Art & Design
    • Interviews
    • Rankings
    • Materials
    • Research
    • Videos
  • 3D Printing Guide
    • Additive Manufacturing Guide
    • 3D Printer Tests
    • Additive Manufacturing: Applications by sector
    • The Metal 3D Printing Guide
  • Business DIRECTORY
    • 3D Printing Service
    • 3D Printer Manufacturer
    • 3D Printer Reseller
    • USA 3D Printing Businesses
    • UK 3D Printing Businesses
    • Canada 3D Printing Businesses
    • European 3D Printing Businesses
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • 3D printing jobs
  • PRICE COMPARE
    • Compare Personal 3D Printers
    • Compare Professional 3D Printers
    • Compare 3D Scanners
    • Compare Filaments
  • de_DE
  • en_US
  • es_ES
  • fr_FR
  • Contact
  • de_DE
  • en_US
  • es_ES
  • fr_FR
  • NEWS
    • 3D Printers
    • 3D Softwares
    • 3D Scanners
    • Business
    • Art & Design
    • Interviews
    • Rankings
    • Materials
    • Research
    • Videos
  • 3D Printing Guide
    • Additive Manufacturing Guide
    • 3D Printer Tests
    • Additive Manufacturing: Applications by sector
    • The Metal 3D Printing Guide
  • Business DIRECTORY
    • 3D Printing Service
    • 3D Printer Manufacturer
    • 3D Printer Reseller
    • USA 3D Printing Businesses
    • UK 3D Printing Businesses
    • Canada 3D Printing Businesses
    • European 3D Printing Businesses
  • UPCOMING EVENTS
  • 3D printing jobs
  • PRICE COMPARE
    • Compare Personal 3D Printers
    • Compare Professional 3D Printers
    • Compare 3D Scanners
    • Compare Filaments
Home » News Research

Robotic jellyfish 3D printed to protect coral reefs

Michelle S. Posted On November 30, 2018


0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It

Preserving our oceans has become a real concern: more and more species are threatened by human pollution. It is urgent to propose solutions to protect this marine ecosystem. 3D printing can be one solution. We can see some progress made with few initiatives using 3D technologies to recreate coral reefs. The project developed by the University of Florida Atlantic and the United States Naval Research Bureau is working towards a similar goal. They have designed 3D printed robotic jellyfish called “Jellybots” whose objective is to monitor the reefs threatened with extinction.

The Jellybots were modelled as real jellyfish and would be able to swim in very narrow spaces without risk of collision or damage. They would be sort of guardians of the oceans. Dr. Erik Engeberg of the University of Florida Atlantic explains: “Studying and monitoring fragile environments, such as coral reefs, has always been challenging for marine researchers. Soft robots have great potential to help with this.” He goes on to say that Software robots that are inspired by fish and other marine animals are very popular on the research side. Such an example could be the 3D printed robotic animals, designed blend in and study the animal world.

robotic jellyfish

The researchers explain that jellyfish are very effective swimmers, thus motivating their choice in the creation of this 3D printed robot. Engeberg states: “Their propulsive performance is due to the shape of their bodies, which can produce a combination of vortex, jet propulsion, rowing, and suction-based locomotion.” A diagram that echoes the Octobot robot inspired by octopus to better study the aquatic environment.

3DGence

The operation of robotic jellyfish

Jellybots move thanks to their hydraulic tentacles, based on a system of impeller pumps. These pumps use a centrifugal force that pushes the fluid outward. Jellyfish have 8 silicone hydraulic tentacles. The water in which they move would serve to inflate their tentacles and to swim. By turning off the pumps, the tentacles would become flexible, pushing the water outward. This process allows a smooth ascent and descent, creating the movement of the robot.

The team reportedly printed 5 robotic jellyfish. Each would have a different level of hardness for testing silicone with propulsive effects. The researchers also tested the robot’s ability to traverse narrow spaces, using circular holes cut into a plexiglass plate. “We found the robots were able to swim through openings narrower than the nominal diameter of the robot,” concludes Engeberg.

robotic jellyfish

Several jellyfish models were printed in 3D

The researchers then want to integrate environmental sensors like sonar, and create a robot control and navigation algorithm. The goal would be to quickly detect gaps and determine if they can be easily corrected. Check out the robot jellyfish in the video below and get more information HERE.

What do you think about these 3D printed robots? Let us know what you think in a comment below or on our Facebook and Twitter pages! Don’t forget to sign up for our free weekly Newsletter, with all the latest news in 3D printing delivered straight to your inbox!

Post Views: 422
0
Shares
  • Share On Facebook
  • Tweet It




Author

Michelle S.


You may also like
FELIXprinters launches two new large-format minimalist 3D printers
February 18, 2019
Lamborghini bets on Carbon 3D printing technology
February 18, 2019
#TOP5 Videos: 3D bioprinted organs, materials, racing cars…
February 17, 2019
#TOP5 videos: Treating breast cancer!
Read Next

#TOP5 videos: Treating breast cancer!

  • Follow us

    Facebook
    107.8KFans
    follow
    Twitter
    7.3KFollowers
    follow
    Instagram
    Followers
    follow
  • Advertisement

  • Popular Posts

    • 1
      TOP 12 Best Low Cost 3D Scanners (2018 Update)
    • 2
      Top 15 Best Cheap 3D Printers 2018
    • 3
      Top 12: Resin 3D Printers (SLA/DLP)
    • 4
      3D Printer Materials Guide: 3D Printing Plastics
    • 5
      TOP 13 XXL FDM 3D printers under $ 5,000
  • Advertisement

  • Featured Stories

    • 3D Printing: a New Tool Available to Doctors
      July 17, 2018
    • The different SLS 3D printers on the market
      March 22, 2018
    • 3D Printing: The Future of Construction
      January 31, 2018
    • A Comprehensive List of all the Metal 3D Printer Manufacturers
      January 30, 2018
    • Top 10 Best 3D Software For Beginners
      December 20, 2017



Stay Updated

Every Wednesday, receive a summary of all the latest news from the world of 3D Printing

  • About Us

    3Dnatives is the leading source for all things 3D printing and additive manufacturing, with more than 400,000 visitors per month. Every day, you will find the latest news, interviews, stories and more on the revolution that is 3D printing!

  • TOP 10 3D Printers

    1. Zortrax M200
    2. Ultimaker 2+
    3. Form 2
    4. Witbox 2
    5. Replicator 2
    6. Da Vinci 1.0 AiO
    7. Da Vinci Jr. 1.0
    8. UP Plus 2
    9. Replicator 2X
    10. Liquid Crystal

    Find more 3D printers in our Comparator
  • Services

    Compare Desktop 3D Printers
    Compare Professional 3D Printers
    Compare 3D Scanners
    3D Printing Directory
    3D Printer Tests
    Event Board
    Job Board
    Newsletter


© Copyright 2019, 3Dnatives | About us | Press | Privacy Policy | Contact
Press enter/return to begin your search
X
Subject:
Message:
Ajax loader
Our website uses cookies. By using our website and agreeing to this policy, you consent to our use of cookies in accordance with the terms of this policy. Find out more.