Festo BionicFinWave

This is not an underwater robot you’ve seen before. The Festo BionicFinWave is modeled after the cuttle sh, which uses its ns to generate continuous waves for motion. This mechanical cephalopod uses two Zexible side ns, cast from silicone, to do the same thing.

The ns are fastened to nine lever arms, which are driven by two servomotors. The two ns can move independently and generate a variety of wave patterns. This enables the BionicFinWave to ‘swim’ in multiple directions, with a precision of movement that causes little turbulence.

This isn’t the rst Festo nature-inspired robot. The company has created bat, spider, and dragonZy robots, as well as one disturbing octopus-like robot tentacle arm. It’s not con rmed yet what life the BionicFinWave will have after its reveal. But its skills might make the BionicFinWave an asset for underwater inspection and exploration.