Design and simulation of a robotic jellyfish based on mechanical structure drive and adjustment

Abstract

This paper presents a novel jellyfish-inspired swimming robot whose mechanical design, control algorithm, and motion analysis are discussed and manifested in detail. In consideration of few research on robotic jellyfish capable of three-dimensional movement with mechanical drive and actuator, we propose an improved design mainly featuring six-bar linkage mechanisms as the actuators and a barycenter adjustment mechanism as an attitude regulator. To imitate the real jellyfish and to reduce drag, the robotic jellyfish is comprised of a streamlined head, a cavity shell, and an elastic rubber skin around the drive units. Meanwhile a bio-inspired central pattern generators control model is imported. To validate the feasibility of the maneuverability with designed motion mechanism and free attitude regulation, dynamic analysis and simulation experiment are conducted. The obtained results show the conceived novel robotic jellyfish can accomplish all motion tasks desired.