Standing on the water: Stability mechanisms of snakes on free surface

Johann Herault, Etienne Clement, Jonathan Brossillon, Seth Lagrange, Vincent Lebastard, Frederic Boyer

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

Abstract

We report an investigation aiming to understand the stability mechanisms of semi-aquatic snakes (like Cottonmouth viper or grass snakes) on a free water surface. To address this complex problem, we start by reviewing the specific morphological features of these snakes. Then, we analyse the poses of a semi-aquatic snake in its natural environment. We show that surface stability is achieved by complex combinations of all three rotational degrees of freedom of each vertebra. Based on a new theoretical model, a control law is developed to seek the finite body deformation from the strain (torsion and bending) to maintain an equilibrium stance (position and orientation). Our conclusions lead us to consider a new actuation mechanism based on a controlled rolling motion for each body segment in order to achieve static and dynamic positioning. During the conference, we will present our new swimming snake-like robot, named NATRIX, that can achieve static and dynamic positioning on a free water surface.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationBiomimetic and Biohybrid Systems - 9th International Conference, Living Machines 2020, Proceedings
EditorsVasiliki Vouloutsi, Anna Mura, Paul F. M. J. Verschure, Falk Tauber, Thomas Speck, Tony J. Prescott
PublisherSpringer
Pages165-175
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9783030643126
DOIs
StatePublished - 2021
Event9th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2020 - Virtual, Online
Duration: Jul 28 2019Jul 30 2019

Publication series

NameLecture Notes in Computer Science (including subseries Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence and Lecture Notes in Bioinformatics)
Volume12413 LNAI
ISSN (Print)0302-9743
ISSN (Electronic)1611-3349

Conference

Conference9th International Conference on Biomimetic and Biohybrid Systems, Living Machines 2020
CityVirtual, Online
Period7/28/197/30/19

Keywords

  • Bio-inspired robotic
  • Geometrically exact approach
  • Semi-aquatic snake

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Theoretical Computer Science
  • General Computer Science

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