Gone swimmin' [seagoing robots]

Abstract

This paper describes a mechanical hexapod designed by a research group from McGill University. Called Aqua, it is latest in a series of seagoing robots. With six rotating flippers, this machine is amphibious, capable of both walking and swimming. The group aims to develop an underwater vehicle that can autonomously explore and collect data in aquatic environments while surviving the harsh saltwater conditions and often turbulent waters of the open sea