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A Cyborg Crayfish Platform for Underwater Exploration
Conference paper   Peer reviewed

A Cyborg Crayfish Platform for Underwater Exploration

H. Nhan Le, Oscar J. Davis, Lachlan Fitzgerald, Robbie Wilson, Christofer Clemente, P. Ross McAree, T. Nho Do and T. Thang Vo Doan
Proceedings of the 2026 IEEE 9th International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), pp.761-766
IEEE International Conference on Soft Robotics (RoboSoft), 9th (Kanazawa, Japan, 07-Apr-2026–12-Apr-2026)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
2026

Abstract

Ganglia Human-machine systems Labeling Printing Propulsion Robots Soft robotics Sports Tail Turning
With the rapid advancement of soft robotics and bio-inspired anatomy, small-scale underwater robots have achieved significant improvements in swimming and locomotion performance. Nevertheless, achieving a fully compact and wireless aquatic robot capable of long-term operation and adaptive control in dynamic underwater environments remain a major challenge for artificial platforms. This paper presents a cyborg crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus), representing a soft biohybrid robotic approach with potential for wireless underwater locomotion control. Through electrical stimulation, two controllable behaviours: underwater turning and tail-flick triggering are achieved. Experimental results demonstrate consistent turning responses and backward propulsion via tail-flick triggering, both activated by electrical stimulation. Furthermore, a graded correlation between stimulation duration and motion magnitude is observed, providing a basis for future control strategies. These findings establish a foundational framework for self-actuating and naturally adaptive aquatic biohybrid robots, eliminating the need for complex design and fabrication processes required for small-scale underwater systems.

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