Chinese scientists are developing smarter and more efficient underwater drones by learning from one of nature’s most graceful swimmers — the manta ray. Researchers from Northwestern Polytechnical University and its Ningbo Institute have found that the way manta rays move through water can help improve the design and performance of underwater drones.
The research published in Physics of Fluids focuses on how manta rays swim in groups. These sea creatures are known for their large wings and flat bodies that help them glide smoothly through the water. Their body shape allows them to move with less resistance and use less energy. Scientists are now using this knowledge to build underwater drones that can move similarly.
Manta rays have a special body structure with high aspect ratios. This means their bodies are wide compared to their thickness, which helps them create more lift while swimming. They also use flipper-like wings to push themselves forward without wasting energy. These natural features make manta rays an excellent model for building underwater vehicles that can move efficiently in the ocean.
In their study, the scientists used real-life images of manta ray groups and ran simulations to see how different swimming formations affect movement. They tested three main formations: one where all three swim in a straight line (called linear tandem), another where one leads and two follow in a triangle shape, and a third where one swim behind two others in an upside-down triangle.
The results showed that the straight-line formation is the most efficient for the middle swimmer. In this position, the middle manta ray benefits from the water flow created by the one in front. This helps it move faster and more easily without using extra energy. The study found that this arrangement improves propulsion and is ideal for creating drone swarms where energy-saving is important.
Even though the triangle-shaped formations were not as efficient, manta rays still use them often in the wild. This suggests that factors, like social behavior or navigation, play a role in how they swim together. The research team believes that by learning more about these behaviors, they can design drone systems that work better in group situations.
Underwater tasks are becoming more difficult, there is a growing need for multiple drones to work together as a team. This is especially needed in military and research missions, where drones are often required to search, observe, or map large underwater areas. Inspired by manta rays, scientists are focusing on designing drone swarms that can move in formation, share information, and complete tasks together efficiently.
Lead researcher Pengcheng Gao said that the swimming style of manta rays and their body structure is very useful for making better underwater drones. He explained that by understanding how small groups of manta rays move together, scientists can build the foundation for larger drone swarms. These small groups made up of three drones, can act as a model for building bigger systems with many drones working at once.
The scientists say that studies should look at how different factors like distance between drones, speed, and movement style affect group swimming. They also suggest using AI to help drones adjust their movements in real time based on their surroundings.
This study also shows how useful it can be to take ideas from nature when designing new technology. By watching how manta rays move, scientists have found a way to build underwater drones that can move in a more natural, efficient, and intelligent way. These new drones could help in many areas, from underwater research and exploration to naval defense and rescue missions.
