Record-Breaking Manta Ray-Inspired Soft Robot Swims Faster and Deeper

**Researchers from North Carolina State University have created a soft robot inspired by manta rays** that sets a new record by swimming at speeds of 6.8 body lengths per second, nearly double that of earlier models. **Led by Jie Yin, the team improved upon their previous robot design, making it both faster and energy-efficient.** The robot features fins shaped like manta rays, connected to a flexible silicone body equipped with an air chamber. By inflating the chamber, the fins bend like manta rays' downstroke, and releasing the air causes them to snap back into position. This design requires only one actuation point, contributing to rapid movement. Researchers studied manta rays' fluid dynamics to replicate their swimming motion. They discovered that **manta rays create two jets of water for forward movement and trajectory changes**. With this knowledge, the soft robot can swim upwards, downwards, or maintain its position in the water column. **Fine control over lateral movement is still in development.** The team's simulations and experiments revealed that the downward jet is more powerful. The robot's buoyancy and position are affected by the frequency of fin flaps; faster flapping increases buoyancy. **The robot's capabilities were demonstrated in obstacle navigation and payload hauling, proving its versatility.** This work was funded by the National Science Foundation and the Office of Naval Research. The research results are published in the journal *Science Advances* with contributions from multiple universities.