Flexible Electromagnetic Fin: Accurate Electromechanical Modeling for Agile Robotic Design

IEEE

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Abstract

Bionic fish fins can significantly improve propulsion efficiency, maneuverability, and environmental adaptability in underwater robots. However, limitation exists in those bionic-fins-based robots to achieve high performance. For example, motor-actuated fins generate substantial thrust but are excessively bulky, whereas artificial muscle-driven fins offer biomimetic flexibility yet yield insufficient thrust. In this study, we introduce a miniaturized flexible electromagnetic fin that features high magnetic energy density, compact structure, frictionless elastic joint, and the ability to visually measure the electromagnetic torque. We also develop an electromechanical model that accurately predicts the thrust from an input current by incorporating underwater vibration dynamics. The model is based on three experimentally identified parameters: the electromagnetic torque constant, the underwater damping constant, and the added mass constant. In underwater experiments, the fin achieves a peak thrust of 493 mN, which is remarkable for a bio-inspired fin weighing only 17.2 g. Furthermore, a self-powered robotic fish equipped with this fin reaches a maximum swimming speed of 405.5 mm/s (1.66 body lengths per second) within 3 s, and attains a minimum turning radius of 210 mm (0.86 body lengths). These results provide a reliable theoretical and experimental basis for the design of agile robotic fish powered by flexible bionic fins.

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Authors
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R. Tong et al., “Design and modeling of an integral molding flexible tail for robotic fish,” IEEE/ASME Trans. Mechatron., vol. 30, no. 2, pp. 1322–1332, Apr. 2025, doi: 10.1109/TMECH.2024.3408036.
Keywords assist with retrieval of results and provide a means to discovering other relevant content. Learn more. IEEE Keywords Electromagnetics , Fish , Robots , Torque , Coils , Magnetic flux , Magnetic fields , Robot kinematics , Wire , Stators , Bio-inspired robotics Index Terms Electromechanical Model , Flexible Fin , Body Length , Electromagnetic Torque , Constant Torque , Unmanned Underwater Vehicles , Magnetic Field , Oscillation Frequency , Magnetic Field Strength , Mm In Width , Permanent Magnet , Magnetic Flux , Dirac Delta , Shape Memory , Caudal Fin , Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor , Cantilever Beam , Electromotive Force , Deflection Angle , Euler Bernoulli Beam , Flexible Joint , Artificial Muscles , Thrust Force , Cylindrical Magnet , Coil Current , Forced Vibration , Torque Estimation , Force Sensor , Solenoid , Copper Wire Author Keywords Electromechanical modeling , robotic fish , flexible , electromagnetic , underwater robot
Lin Tian, Ruo-Pu Chen, Yu Zhao, Zhi-Peng Wang, Jiao Jia, Weifeng Yuan, Xi-Qiao Feng, Zi-Long Zhao, “Elastic-Snapping–Driven Butterfly Stroke: A Soft Robotic Fish”, Machines, vol.13, no.12, pp.1078, 2025.

The fish fin is primarily composed of muscle tissue and the peduncle joint, which work together to enable flexible and efficient movement. Similarly, the fins of robotic fish are designed to mimic this structure, with the motor system being widely used to drive their motion [1], [2]. Among these, permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSM) are the most common configuration. In this configuration, the stator generates a rotating magnetic field that drives the rotor, which contains permanent magnets, simulating the function of muscles. This approach provides high magnetic energy density and minimal energy loss. The bearings between the rotor and stator act as joints, but they restrict movement to a fixed rotational degree of freedom. Using a fixed rotary motor to drive the fish tail makes it difficult to replicate the compliance of the “muscle + joint” system, and often results in an oversized motor-driven fin power unit. Small bionic robotic fish platforms often use motor-driven fins as the primary propulsion mechanism. Yu et al. developed a bionic sailfish robot using multiple motors to independently drive the dorsal and caudal fins, enabling coordinated fin motion for high-performance swimming [3]. Korkmaz et al. employed a series of motors to simulate the oscillations of a fish’s body, optimizing the oscillation patterns to control swimming dynamics [4]. Zhou et al. constructed a manta ray-like robot with three motors driving one of the manta ray’s wings, with the motors working in tandem to replicate various swimming modes [5]. Masoomi et al. created a tuna-like robotic fish driven by a single motor that actuates a multi-link tail mechanism to generate undulatory motion for propulsion [6]. However, the reliance on motors and linkage mechanisms for generating fin oscillations often leads to larger overall volume and more complex structure, limiting space for more efficient sensors or additional payloads, such as batteries.

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