Chris Phelan

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About

Chris Phelan’s research lies at the intersection of biomechanics, robotics, and sensorimotor control, with a central focus on understanding how fish use their flexible fins to navigate complex aquatic environments. His major contributions include the development of a biorobotic model of the sunfish pectoral fin, a groundbreaking platform for investigating how sensory feedback and motor commands coordinate fin motion. This work, his most cited paper (35 citations), addresses a critical gap in knowledge—how fish integrate sensory information to control flexible fins—with direct implications for designing agile, fish-like underwater vehicles. Phelan also pioneered the use of artificial muscle actuators, specifically nickel-titanium shape memory alloys, in biorobotic fish fins, demonstrating how biomimetic architectures can harness these materials for more natural, efficient propulsion. His research not only advances fundamental understanding of biological control systems but also provides engineers with practical tools for developing next-generation autonomous underwater vehicles. By bridging biology and engineering, Phelan’s work offers a compelling blueprint for creating robots that move with the grace and efficiency of their living counterparts.