A Wirelessly Controlled Shape‐Memory Alloy‐Based Bistable Metal Swimming Device
Yu Wan, Keith Cuff, Michael J. Serpe
Abstract
Shape memory Nitinol has long been used for actuation. However, utilizing Nitinol to fabricate novel devices for various applications is a challenge, but has shown incredible promise and impacts. Bistable metal strips are widely adopted for shape morphing purposes (primarily in kid's toys, e.g., snap bracelets) due to their easy and robust transformation between two states. Herein, Nitinol shape memory alloy and bistable metal strip are combined to fabricate a swimming actuator with both slow moving and fast snapping capability, akin to an octopus swimming slowly in water, but quickly moving upon encountering a threat. The actuator developed here can also swim in multiple directions, all controlled by a wireless module. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that an onboard sensor can be incorporated for potential environmental monitoring applications. The fact that the device developed here has no mechanical parts, makes this an interesting potential alternative to more expensive, and energy consuming boats. A preprint version of the article can be found at: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164199106.60208565 .