Manta Ray — Polished 3D render of biomimetic soft robot
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Manta Ray

Replicating Nature's Elegant Swimmers Through Soft Robotics and Animated Materials

How can animated materials recreate the graceful motion of a manta ray?

This project explores how the motion of manta rays can be mechanically and aesthetically achieved using animated material systems. Combining pneumatic silicone actuation and shape memory alloys (SMA), the team developed soft robotic prototypes that replicate the oscillating and undulating fin movements of real manta rays. The translucent silicone body with internal air chambers creates smooth, fluid wing motion when pneumatically actuated, bringing bioinspired engineering to life.

Explore the Design Journey
Manta Ray — Translucent biomimetic model on display stand Soft robotic manta ray — biomimetic design on display
Pneumatic actuation in motion
Manta Ray — Top down view of ribbed wing structure on cutting mat Internal ribbed wing structure for flexible movement
Manta Ray — Workbench with gears, motor, syringe actuator, and manta body Prototyping setup: syringe actuator, gears, and soft robot
Manta Ray — Close up of layered segmented wing structure Translucent silicone body with pneumatic actuation
Manta Ray — Accordion like folded wing segments close-up Accordion like segments enabling swimming motion
Manta Ray — Front view with both wings fully extended Wings fully extended — symmetrical segmented design
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