Thierry Bujard

Papers

Total Citations

109

H-Index

About

Thierry Bujard is a leading researcher in bio-inspired robotics and fluid dynamics, with a focus on unraveling the principles of efficient aquatic locomotion. His most celebrated contribution is the development of a resonant squid-inspired robot, detailed in his highly cited 2021 paper (109 citations), which experimentally demonstrates how pulsed-jet propulsion can achieve propulsive efficiencies rivaling those of fish. By showing that his robot exhibits a preferred Strouhal number for optimal swimming, Bujard’s work directly bridges a long-standing gap between the mechanics of invertebrate jet propulsion and established theories of fish swimming efficiency. This breakthrough not only advances our fundamental understanding of biological propulsion but also offers a robust framework for designing next-generation underwater vehicles. Bujard’s research is distinguished by its elegant integration of resonance effects with robotic design, and his findings suggest that extending his platform to larger amplitude oscillations could unlock even greater performance. His work stands as a pivotal reference for engineers and biologists alike, inspiring new pathways in efficient, animal-inspired robotics.