Student Spotlight on Micah Delattre: Underwater Exploration with MUBot, the bioinspired fish robot

Imagine a world where underwater robots glide through aquatic environments like real fish, gathering data without disturbing the delicate ecosystems. This vision is becoming a reality through groundbreaking research in bio-robotics. “Buoyancy is the force that makes an object float or rise in a fluid.” explains Micah DeLattre. Micah DeLattre is pursuing his master’s degree in mechanical engineering working on buoyancy control of MUBot. “These robots, like fish, need to adjust their buoyancy naturally to move effectively through water, mimic natural swimming motions, and maintain stability. Proper control allows these robots to navigate through different water environments, improving their ability to perform tasks like exploration, surveillance, or environmental monitoring.”

The MUBot, as the robot is called, measures less than 25 cm in length, making it one of the smallest robotic swimmers of its kind. Designing and constructing such a small device requires precision, as the components must be both tiny and functional. This challenge pushes the boundaries of what is possible in bio-robotics.

"The design process of this buoyancy control device was long and arduous. I had to iterate through multiple prototypes until I found something that worked. We use resin 3D printing for the parts. Often this is great because the parts turn out quite accurate consistently, but they tend to also break very easily as they are quite frail. So, it takes a lot of careful consideration, planning, and handiwork when designing and ultimately assembling these buoyancy control units."

The societal impact of this research is profound. Traditional underwater vehicles often disrupt marine ecosystems with noisy propellers, making it difficult to collect accurate data. In contrast, MUBot moves silently and seamlessly through the water, allowing for more natural observations. Potential applications include underwater surveillance, search and rescue operations, and monitoring fish species in hard-to-reach areas.

With a background in mechanical engineering and a focus on systems, controls, and robotics, the Micah was naturally drawn to bio-inspired robotics. This interdisciplinary approach, combined with hands-on experience in building robots, provided the expertise needed to tackle the unique challenges of the MUBot project.

The MUBot is more than just a technological feat; it's a leap toward creating robotic swimmers that integrate seamlessly with their environment. Micah DeLattre’s work aims to develop intelligent, autonomous robots capable of following complex 3D paths, unlocking new possibilities in underwater exploration and data collection. As this research progresses, it not only pushes the boundaries of bio-robotics but also paves the way for a future where sustainable, intelligent machines work in harmony with nature to reveal the hidden depths of our planet.

Micah DeLattre is a fellow in the INSECT NET program and a graduate student mentored by Dr. Bo Cheng in the Department of Mechanical Engineering.

This article was written by Philip Shin, a fellow in the INSECT NET program and a PhD student mentored by Vijaykrishnan Narayanan in the Department of Computer Science and Electrical Engineering. It was prepared as part of the INSECT NET Science Communication workshop series coordinated by Drs. Christina Grozinger and Natalie Boyle in summer 2024.