Called the ‘Bionic FinWave’, its ability to negotiate pipework while transmitting valuable data about parameters such as temperature and pressure was identified during research within the Bionic Learning Network – demonstrating that the technology has further development potential in process industry applications.
The Bionic FinWave features a fin drive unit that is particularly suitable for slow, precise motion and causes less turbulence in the water than, say, a conventional screw propulsion drive.
With this form of propulsion, the underwater robot can manoeuvre itself autonomously while communicating wirelessly with the outside world and transmitting data to the cloud or a local tablet.
Festo Bionic projects like FinWave are proof-of-technology demonstrators. Using lessons from nature combined with the latest ideas from Festo’s research departments, they present complex technology in a graphic and interesting way, generating discussion and engagement with customers and future partners.
