ROBOTIC BIOMIMICRY: OCTOPUS-INSPIRED AUV SIMULATION AND DESIGN

Abstract

As the global population continues to expand, the consumption of land resources accelerates, prompting an intensified focus on alternative strategic spaces. The ocean, recognized as a major strategic frontier alongside terrestrial environments, boasts a wealth of untapped biological and mineral resources, harboring countless unexplored phenomena awaiting human investigation. A surge in ocean exploration and development efforts has transpired worldwide in recent years, driven by the realization of the ocean's vast potential. The inherent challenges posed by the ocean's immense expanse and complex environment have spurred the emergence of Unmanned Underwater Vehicles (UUVs) as indispensable tools for oceanic exploration and exploitation. UUVs represent a class of equipment capable of navigating underwater, equipped with exploration capabilities and the capacity to execute underwater tasks, often leveraging mechanical arms for specific functions. Notably, UUVs possess the versatility to undertake a myriad of complex tasks, and recent advancements in hydrogen fuel cell technology and battery capacity have significantly bolstered their endurance. This research explores the evolution and significance of UUVs in the context of ocean exploration. It delves into the multifaceted utility of UUVs in unlocking the ocean's mysteries, leveraging their adaptability to perform diverse tasks in challenging underwater environments. Moreover, the study addresses the pivotal role played by advancements in hydrogen fuel cells and battery technologies in extending UUVs' operational endurance. By providing an in-depth analysis of these developments, this research contributes to our understanding of the burgeoning importance of UUVs in advancing human exploration and exploitation of the ocean