Fish Robotics

The field of fish biorobotics, an interdisciplinary convergence of biology and engineering, leverages robotic models to replicate the physical and behavioral attributes of fish, facilitating the exploration of complex biological and evolutionary questions. Fish biorobotics advance our understanding of aquatic locomotion and sensory systems through controlled experimentation. By integrating biomechanics, robotics, and evolutionary biology, fish biorobotics enables researchers to simulate evolutionary scenarios and test hypotheses that are otherwise challenging to investigate with live organisms. We discuss the creation and use of robotic model organisms (RMOs) and the concept of “robotics-inspired biology,” highlighting their effectiveness in exploring various evolutionary and ecological questions, such as the impact of fin designs on hydrodynamic efficiency and the effects of environmental conditions on behavior. Despite their advantages, robotic models have limitations, including challenges in capturing complex sensory-motor interactions and nuanced behaviors observed in natural habitats. This chapter provides an overview of these advancements, limitations, and the principles guiding the design and application of robotic models, offering a comprehensive perspective on how fish biorobotics is shaping future biological research.