Biomimetic locomotion for a robotic stingray using MEMS sensors

In this paper, we present the design, fabrication and experimental results of two types of MEMS sensors for manoeuvring and control of a robotic stingray. The first sensor is a piezoresistive liquid crystal polymer haircell flow sensor which is employed to determine the velocity of propagation of the stingray. The second sensor is a Pb(Zr_0.52Ti_0.48)O₃ piezoelectric micro-diaphragm pressure sensor which measures various flapping profiles of the stingray´s fins which are keys parameters to control the robot locomotion. The piezoelectric sensors show an excellent performance in tracking the trajectory of the fins of the stingray. Although a robotic stingray is used as a platform to emphasize the role of the MEMS sensors, the applications can be extended to most underwater robotic vehicles (URVs).