Pliant Energy Systems, a US company, has successfully transformed one of its green energy technologies into a groundbreaking propulsion system for the Velox swimming robot. Capable of navigating both land and water, Velox’s unique design and undulating soft fins offer unparalleled versatility for a wide range of tasks.
This innovative robot has the potential to revolutionise exploration in challenging environments, making it a game-changer in the field of robotics.
Unprecedented Versatility: The Power of Undulating Soft Fins
Velox’s remarkable capabilities stem from its undulating soft fins, which mimic the motion of a stingray or a millipede. Originally developed for generating electricity from rivers, these fins have proven equally effective at propelling swimming robots. The design prevents entanglement with debris and damage from collisions, making Velox highly manoeuvrable across various terrains.
Efficient and Agile: Velox’s Unique Propulsion System
The Velox robot’s undulating fins enable it to move with efficiency and agility. Its hyperbolic motion pattern allows for instant reversals and quick turns, enhancing its manoeuvrability in complex environments. This innovative propulsion system sets Velox apart as the world’s first true ice-skating robot, utilising anisotropic friction akin to a human skater on ice.
Exploring Uncharted Territory: Amphibious Capabilities
Velox’s ability to traverse land and sea makes it an invaluable tool for studying and mapping the surf-zone, where waves meet the shore. Unlike traditional undersea drones, Velox is optimised for these shallow coastal areas, expanding possibilities for research and exploration in challenging environments. Lakes, rivers, marshes, swamps, and mud flats are also ideal locations for Velox’s versatile capabilities.
A Platform for Innovation: Future Applications
Pliant Energy Systems has developed a prototype of Velox as a proof of concept, seeking funding and partnerships to refine the robot for specific purposes. The adaptable nature of the Velox platform opens doors for a multitude of applications. From deep-sea exploration to mud flat monitoring, ice rescues, wildlife filmmaking, and even extraterrestrial exploration (such as NASA’s Europa mission), Velox has the potential to revolutionise various industries.
The Journey of Pliant Energy Systems: From Energy to Robotics
Founded in 2007 by Benjamin Pietro Filardo, Pliant Energy Systems initially focused on energy-harnessing concepts. However, the company’s focus has since shifted to robotics, integrating machine learning algorithms, numerical modelling, and materials science. This evolution has led to groundbreaking innovations like the Velox swimming robot.
