Airacuda

Year

2006

The idea

The pneumatically powered fish moves nimbly and efficiently through the water.

The objective

Airacuda shows how the efficient movements of the barracuda can be realised as technical motion.

Technical data

• Length: 100 cm
• Width: 28 cm
• Height: 45 cm
• Weight: approx. 4 kg
• Material: polyamide
• Skin material: silicone
• Drive: 4 fluidic muscles
• Compressed air reservoir: 1.5 l, 300 bar

Drive

The artificial pike is operated with compressed air, which is stored in a cylinder with a capacity of one and a half litres at 300 bar. Around 400 litres of air are required to power the fluidic muscles.

Structure

The muscles in the tail section of Airacuda move the fin and provide acceleration. They are supported by passive structures with Fin Ray effect. The torso houses fluidic muscles that steer and drive the artificial fish. When filled with compressed air, the tubes of the pneumatic muscles become thicker, so that the diagonals are shortened in alternation. The electronic and pneumatic components required for control are housed inside the watertight head.

Balance

Airacuda has a cavity that can be filled either with water or with air as required. A pressure sensor registers the depth and conveys the signal to the electronics, which control the valves. In this way, the air ballonet maintains Airacuda’s buoyancy under water.

Material

Airacuda