NEPTUNE 2.0: Advances in Soft Robotics and Additive Manufacturing for Deep-sea UUV s
Abstract
ABSTRACT: This proposal seeks support to advance research in soft robotics and additive manufacturingtechniques to provide technical solutions and transform system-level design architecture for futuredeep-sea UUVs. We propose to investigate high performance, low-power and acoustically quietseawater hydraulic control systems that drive soft robotic actuators for grasping and manipulation.Our current research in this area is enabled by additive manufacturing and rapid prototypingtechniques, which have spun off into several fruitful research directions relevant to UUVs that willalso be pursued. These include 3D-printed biologically inspired pressure housings using the latest inadditive manufacturing technology, extremely compact deep-sea network cameras operated bypressure-tolerant Linux computers, techniques for achieving rapid prototyping capabilities in thefield, and 3D-printed soft actuators. The work we propose to NEPTUNE 2.0 will directlycontribute to the development of future UUVs that are envisioned to be smaller in size, cheaper tomanufacture, capable of large-scale manipulation, and more transparent to active sonar systems. Wewill rely heavily on additive manufacturing techniques to achieve these goals, including 3D-printedsoft actuators, pressure housings, and experimental materials. Other projects that will beinvestigated during the award period include aerial-based (drone) live network deep-sea drop camerasystems and compact, maneuverable deep-sea UUVs with almost no large reflective surfaces orinternal air volumes. This request includes tuition and stipend support for a PhD student and Navyveteran who is currently enrolled as a graduate student in Ocean Engineering at URI, who will alsoserve an internship at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution/Deep Submergence Laboratory.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2020
- Source ID
- N000142012238
Entities
People
- Brennan T Phillips
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of Rhode Island