EAW-From Jellyfish to Sharks: Ocean Swimmers Provide the Blueprints for Next-Gen Underwater Vehicles

Dr. Brad Gemmell, Associate Professor, Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida
Aquatic animals have always been able to move through water with much higher efficiencies than human-made vehicles. This presentation delves into the fascinating world of natural swimmers such as jellyfish, bony fishes, and sharks to explore the secrets behind their efficient locomotion.
Using state-of-the-art techniques, the Gemmell lab has collected data on the unique biomechanics and fluid mechanics of these aquatic animals. The talk also emphasizes how this knowledge is being applied to innovate underwater vehicle designs, creating more efficient, agile, and adaptable systems. By bridging biology and engineering, the study of natural swimmers offers a pathway toward next-generation aquatic technology and expands the potential applications, from environmental monitoring to underwater exploration.