The remote controlled, pneumatically driven fish
The Airacuda moves smoothly and almost noiselessly through the water. Its design, shape, and kinetics are based on its biological model.
Electronics and pneumatics are hidden in its waterproof head and control the S-shaped movements of the tail fin via two fluidic muscles. Two further muscles are used for steering.
The fin consists of an alternating traction and pressure edge, which are connected by frames. When pressure is exerted on one edge, the geometrical structure automatically curves against the direction of the influencing force. It sounds complicated, but it is actually a simple principle with which the fish can display the full swinging power of its fins in the water. This structure is called the Fin Ray Effect®.
The fluidic muscle is a innovation from Festo. Its properties are in no way inferior to those of a genuine muscle, however it is operated with compressed air.