Feather-star robot maneuvers in 3D with just two actuators

Researchers at North Carolina State University built an underwater robot inspired by the feather star that moves in three dimensions using elastic limbs and only two actuators instead of the usual six. It reproduces jellyfish, fish and rotor modes of motion.

• The robot uses two actuators where at least six are normally required
• Jellyfish mode: both feather wings snap down to rise and descend
• Fish mode: one actuator creates asymmetric forward and backward motion
• Rotor mode: alternating actuators rotate the robot around its axis