This paper discusses implementation and use of robotic fish in science education. Biologically inspired robotic fish have been found to be particularly engaging, likely due to the additional connections to the natural world they can offer. Thus, a few robotic fish exhibits have been deployed to engage and educate visitors in public aquariums and expositions. However, such exhibits are often limited in the level of interactivity they afford, which is known to be a key factor in informal science education. A novel interactive robotic fish exhibit has been developed at the Dynamical Systems Laboratory of New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering. The platform has been well received by visitors and has contributed to increasing their interest in robotics. Integrating natural user interfaces and autonomous charging into the exhibit are expected to further enhance the visitor experience and strengthen the feasibility of robotics-based informal science education {AQ: An edit has been made in this sentence “Integrating natural… science education.”, for the verb to match with its subjects. Please check and correct if necessary.}.
Robotic Fish
Paul Phamduy was born In Lowell, Massachusetts In 1988. He received B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees In mechanical engineering from the University of Massachusetts, Lowell, In 2010 and 2012, respectively, and is working toward a Ph.D. degree in mechanical engineering at New York University. His doctoral research, supported by the National Science Foundation, focuses on biologically-inspired robotics with application to animal behavior and informal science education. Since 2012, he is a recipient of a National Science Foundation GK-12 fellowship in the Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science program.
Maurizio Porfiri was born in Rome, Italy in 1976. He received M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in engineering mechanics from Virginia Tech, in 2000 and 2006; a laurea in electrical engineering (with honours) and a Ph.D. In theoretical and applied mechanics from the University of Rome “La Sapienza” and the University of Toulon (dual degree program), in 2001 and 2005, respectively. From 2005 to 2006 he held a post-doctoral position with the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department at Virginia Tech. He has been a member of the faculty of the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department of New York University Polytechnic School of Engineering since 2006, where he is currently a professor. He is engaged in conducting and supervising research on dynamical systems theory, multiphysics modeling, and underwater robotics. Maurizio Porfiri is the author of more than 150 journal publications and the recipient of the National Science Foundation CAREER award (dynamical systems program) in 2008. He has been included in the “Brilliant 10” list of Popular Science in 2010 and his research featured in all the major media outlets, including CNN, NPR, Scientific American, and Discovery Channel. Other significant recognitions include invitations to the Frontiers of Engineering Symposium and the Japan-America Frontiers of Engineering Symposium organized by National Academy of Engineering in 2011 and 2014, respectively; the Outstanding Young Alumnus award by the College of Engineering of Virginia Tech in 2012; the ASME Gary Anderson Early Achievement Award in 2013; and the ASME DSCD Young Investigator Award in 2013.
Phamduy, P., and Porfiri, M. (March 1, 2015). "Robotic Fish." ASME. Mechanical Engineering. March 2015; 137(03): S16–S21. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.2015-Mar-9
Download citation file: