Bioinspiration and biomimetics in marine robotics: a review on current applications and future trends.

Over the past few years, the research community has witnessed a burgeoning interest in biomimetics, particularly within the marine sector. The study of biomimicry as a revolutionary remedy for numerous commercial and research-based marine businesses has been spurred by the difficulties presented by the harsh maritime environment. Biomimetic marine robots are at the forefront of this innovation by imitating various structures and behaviors of marine life and utilizing the evolutionary advantages and adaptations these marine organisms have developed over millennia to thrive in harsh conditions. This thorough examination explores current developments and research efforts in biomimetic marine robots based on their propulsion mechanisms. By examining these biomimetic designs, the review aims to solve the mysteries buried in the natural world and provide vital information for marine improvements. In addition to illuminating the complexities of these bio-inspired mechanisms, the investigation helps to steer future research directions and possible obstacles, spurring additional advancements in the field of biomimetic marine robotics. Considering the revolutionary potential of using nature's inventiveness to navigate and thrive in one of the most challenging environments on Earth, the current review's conclusion urges a multidisciplinary approach by integrating robotics and biology. The field of biomimetic marine robotics not only represents a paradigm shift in our relationship with the oceans, but it also opens previously unimaginable possibilities for sustainable exploration and use of marine resources by understanding and imitating nature's solutions.

Investigation of gait cycle deviation over surface irregularities utilizing muscle activities.

BACKGROUND: Human beings regularly walk over even and uneven surfaces during their daily activities. A human being with lower limb disability needs an exoskeleton to walk independently. However, walking surface irregularities increase the risk of falling of exoskeleton users. This falling tendency can be minimized by balancing the exoskeleton on irregular surface profiles against the gait cycle variation. Gait variation is studied using quality EMG signals obtained from the gastrocnemius and hamstring muscle activity during uneven surface walking. OBJECTIVE: The present study compares the activity of hamstring and gastrocnemius muscles during walking on a treadmill, utilizing both even and uneven planes. METHODS: Integrated electromyography signals from eight healthy male subjects are collected while walking on a treadmill, even and uneven planes. Muscle activity variation on these planes is studied using two-way ANOVA with replications. RESULTS: The results show that hamstring muscle activity registers a sound variation in swing phase but has no variation in stance phase over all three planes, whereas gastrocnemius muscle activity changes between swing and stance phases over even and uneven planes during forward walking. CONCLUSIONS: The results illustrate that the gait cycle variation depends on surface irregularities which indicates the importance of surface consideration.