Robotics
Pliant Energy Systems
Robotics
Overview
Efficient undulating propulsion system
Excellent static thrust/Watt
Stealth characteristics
Amphibious capabilities over sand, snow, ice and other solid substrates
Resistant to entanglement in plants or other aquatic debris
Lower environmental impact than spinning propeller-thrusters
Velox can use several modes of locomotion found in the animal kingdom using just one pair of “fins”. These fins are best described as four-dimensional objects with a hyperbolic geometry that allows the robot to swim like a ray, crawl like a millipede, jet like a squid, and slide like a snake.
A craft equipped with this system has unprecedented freedom to travel through a range of environments in a single mission. As an underwater vehicle, the robot’s ability to instantly reverse direction and do quick turns make it ideal for tasks such as coral reef inspection or lion fish hunting where a craft must rapidly maneuver to look around and between objects.
C-Ray AUV/ROV Platform: Unprecedented Versatility
A single vehicle that can move through multiple environments in a single mission.
Applications
Highly maneuverable autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) or remotely operated vehicle (ROV) that can move from land to sea and back with ease. Ideal for surf zone, amphibious beach missions and polar ice missions
Ice-rescue robot for towing a rope and life buoy to a victim who has fallen through thin ice
Personal propulsion for professional divers and recreational use
Stand-alone thruster to replace propellers on craft in environmentally-sensitive waters such as coral reefs, mangroves and sea grass beds
Stand-alone thruster to replace propellers on craft in debris-filled waters
Case Study: Velox - Agile Amphibious Swimmer
Pliant Energy's Velox robot is a beautiful swimmer than can leave the water and travel across sand, pebbles, paving, grass and even ice.
Above: ROV/AUV insertion options from - (1) surface vessels, (2) subsea vessels, (3) land, (4) Tethered stealthy forward operating scout for divers.
Above: Ultra maneuverable and stealthy four-finned vehicle scans submarine.
Above: Ultra maneuverable four-finned vehicle quietly inspects sea mine.
Above: Velox delivering ammo and medical supplies during an amphibious beach mission
Above: Agile autonomous pipeline scanning vehicle with onboard AI detecting and scrutinizing anomalies for richer mission data set. Avoids sending ship and ROV to scrutinize false positives. Optimizes preparation for intervention when needed.
Above: Velox observing polar bear mother with cubs. Wireless communications while above or near the surface of the water allow real-time control and recording from a safe distance.
Above: Velox traveling through plant-filled waters with low risk of entanglement, minimal damage to plants and minimal disturbance of sediment layers.
