When juxtaposed with conventional soft and compliant robotic systems, HCMs exhibit pronounced rigidity, augmented mobility, reproducible repeatability, and an effective design and fabrication paradigm. In this research, we investigate the feasibility of utilizing carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) as the foundational material for an HCM-based fish robot, herein referred to as "CarbonFish." Our objective centers on realizing high-frequency undulatory motion, thereby laying the groundwork for accelerated aquatic locomotion in subsequent models. We proffer an exhaustive design and fabrication schema underpinned by mathematical principles. Preliminary evaluations of our single-actuated CarbonFish have evidenced an undulation frequency approaching 10 Hz, suggesting its potential to outperform other biologically inspired aquatic entities as well as real fish. Keywords: soft fish robot, compliant mechanism, bistability, undulation swimming Main Text Introduction Soft and compliant robotics represents an advancing domain in robotics research, emphasizing the design and development of robots utilizing soft and deformable materials.

The Hair clip mechanism (HCM) is an in-plane prestressed bistable mechanism proposed in our previous research [1]~[5] to enhance the functionality of soft robotics. HCMs have several advantages, such as high rigidity, high mobility, good repeatability, and design and fabrication simplicity, compared to existing soft and compliant robotics. Using our experience with fish robots, this work delves into designing a novel HCM robotic propulsion system made from PETG plastic, carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP), and steel. Detailed derivation and verification of the HCM theory are given, and the influence of key parameters like dimensions, material types, and servo motor specifications are summarized. The designing algorithm offers insight into HCM robotics. It enables us to search for suitable components, operate robots at a desired frequency, and achieve high-frequency and high-speed undulatory swimming for fish robots.

Structural instability is a hazard that leads to catastrophic failure and is generally avoided through special designs. A trend, however, has emerged over the past decades pointing to the harnessing of mechanisms with instability. Inspired by the snapping of a hair clip, we are finessing the unique characteristics of the lateral-torsional buckling of beams and the snap-through of pre-buckled dome-like thin-wall structures in a new field: the in-plane prestressed mechanism. Analyses reveal how the 2D-3D assembly of an in-plane prestressed actuator (IPA) is achieved and how the post-buckling energy landscape is pictured. Combining them with soft robotics, we show that the inclusion of a bistable IPA can enormously enhance the performance of an underwater fish robot as well as inspire a finger-like soft gripper.

Growing up in Rhode Island (the Ocean State), I lived very close to the water. Over the years, I have seen the effects of sea level rise and rapid erosion. Entire houses and beaches have slowly been consumed by the tide. I have witnessed first hand how climate change is rapidly changing the ocean ecosystem. Sometimes I feel overwhelmed by the inexorability of climate change.

A developer named Brian Kane has hacked his Alexa to speak through the avatar of a wall-mounted Big Mouth Billy Bass. It's not clear exactly how he did it, but it's probably related to the Alexa API -- opened in April just after the release of the Dot -- which allows developers to embed the smart assistant in third-party hardware. In the Facebook video, you can clearly see the animatronic fish responding to Alexa's wake word and moving its mouth in sync with her commands. The results, embedded above, are unsettling to say the least. The Big Mouth Billy Bass is a classic of novelty shops and Wal-Marts, designed to sing "Take Me To The River" or "Don't Worry Be Happy" when its motion sensor is activated.