Anne Cutler WGNO News

4:59 p.m. CST, December 26, 2011
NEW ORLEANS—

The future of warfare may not lie in the hands sharp shooters, but in the hands of engineers.  For example, one company called Boston Dynamics has developed "Petman"- an antrhopomorphic robot that tests chemical protection clothing for the military.  They’ve also built "Big Dog"- a rough terrain robot that runs, climbs and carries heavy loads alongside troops.

Now, thanks to Dr. Brandon Taravella at the University of New Orleans’ School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, there will soon be a robotic eel in the mix.  The 3 year project is funded with a $937,000 grant from the Office of Naval Research.  Straight out of a sci-fi flick, the robotic eel uses a former professor's aquatic swimming theory to move undetected in shallow waters.  Dr. Taravella explains, "They can check for mines or any kind of suspicious activity before we actually put troops in the area or seamen in the area."

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The eel is comprised of 13 links powered by RC servo motors, just like in a remote control car.  A computer chip in the head controls the robot's motion.  It's surrounded by a plastic housing, created with a 3D printer.

Dr. Taravella says, "It's very similar to your inkjet printer that you have at home or in the office, but instead of using ink to print, it uses a plastic and it uses a UV light to come over and cure the plastic and it just builds up layers and layers of plastic until we get the parts that we need for the robot."  The 3D printer can save an incredible amount of time.  Instead of sending something off to the machine shop and waiting weeks, these UNO researchers can have it done in a matter of hours.

With the eel's basic design complete, Dr. Taravella and his team will now move onto testing.  They'll use one of the only "tow tanks" in the country to analyze the robot's hydrodynamics.  The eel's final shape will be smaller, with a waterproof skin and will include a housing for cameras or sensors.

When it’s finally finished, this recon-robot will ensure those who are fighting for our freedom are fighting in safer waters.