We aim at reproducing, in simplified yet biologically consistent way, the bio-mechanic of living creatures. To this purpose, innovative actuation systems (“artificial muscles”) are employed that resemble the actual location an functioning of their biological counterpart.

In the iTuna -version 1- robot fish, fishes’ red slow-twitch muscles used for steady forward swimming are reproduced my means of SMA (Shape Memory Alloys) actuators (see also the poster in this page).

The iTuna version 2 (AKA BR3), who has morphed into a black bass , has been enhanced with flex sensors on its backbone, in order to improve its control.

Our global goal is to design motor-less and gear-less systems, i.e. robots devoid of conventional electro-mechanical motors and gearing systems.