Design, Estimation of Model Parameters, and Dynamical Study of a Hybrid Aerial-underwater Robot: Acutus
Design of multi-domain vehicles has been a focus in robotics research in the recent past. The objective behind developing such hybrid vehicle/robot is to combine the capabilities of systems operating in various domains. They can be of great use in numerous applications, as it maximizes the reach in multiple operation environments, especially in various challenging sectors to reduce risk to the human lives. This paper presents the design of multi-domain vehicle: a hybrid aerial-underwater robot, Acutus. Dynamic modelling of Acutus is one of the vital steps in the design process. The parameters involved in the model such as the hydrodynamic drag and added mass are critical in determining the accuracy of the model. Mathematical modelling and estimation of system parameters for Acutus are presented. The dynamics of the system, both in aerial and underwater domains, are initially studied individually for different possible sets of inputs. Later, simulation studies are carried out for trans ition between aerial and underwater domains. Preliminary mechatronic design and the experimental setup details are also presented.
Modelling and Dynamic Analysis of a Novel Hybrid Aerial – Underwater Robot - Acutus
Hybrid multi domain vehicles are of great interest in due to their ability to traverse between different medium. The objective behind developing such hybrid vehicle/robot is to combine the capabilities of systems operating in various domains. Very few vehicles are presently being developed which can traverse underwater and can fly in air. Development of systems with capability to traverse both in air and water is highly challenging because of the contrasting properties of the traversing domains. In this paper, we propose one such vehicle which can be used as a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) underwater and can fly as a quadrotor. Design of such system is critical, as the dimensions and other related parameters like the mass and volume has to be optimal for both aerial and underwater traversal. Hence the system mathematically modelled to analyze the dynamics of the system and the same has been used to optimize the dimensions and the overall performance of the result. This paper presents the detailed design, mathematical model of the system and the preliminary simulation results using the developed model. An experimental prototype is being developed to analyze and validate the concept.