Three-phase Control for Miniaturization of a Snake-like Swimming Robot

Abstract

We present the design and control of a soft undulating snake-like swimming robot that can be miniaturized down to the millimeter scale. We consider the miniaturization of an ionic polymer metal composite (IPMC) robot with respect to Reynolds number and propose biologically inspired undulating motion as a suitable swimming mechanism that can scaled down in excess of three orders of magnitude. We examine the control system needed to generate this undulating motion and take inspiration from poly-phase electrical power delivery systems to greatly simplify the control system, while maintaining the ability to move forwards and backwards and to turn. As a result of the simplified three-phase control we can further simplify the structure of the robot and make miniaturization more practical.