Repository logo

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne

Infoscience

  • English
  • French
Log In
  1. Home
  2. Academic and Research Output
  3. Journal articles
  4. Investigating the effect of morphology on the terrestrial gaits of amphibious fish using a reconfigurable robot
 
research article

Investigating the effect of morphology on the terrestrial gaits of amphibious fish using a reconfigurable robot

Gevers, Louis  
•
Gupta, Astha  
•
Paez, Laura  
Show more
May 22, 2025
Bioinspiration & Biomimetics

The relationship between morphology and locomotion performance in amphibious fish remains poorly understood, particularly in axial-appendage-based and appendage-based movements. To address this, we introduce Polymander, a reconfigurable robot capable of mimicking Polypterus-like walking and mudskipper-like crutching, enabling systematic investigation of body length and limb movement. Using a CPG-driven controller, we optimize locomotion patterns via multi-objective optimization in simulation, comparing resulting Pareto fronts across different morphological configurations. Our results reveal that (1) mudskipper-like crutching is better suited for short bodies, while Polypterus-like walking is better suited for longer bodies; (2) symmetric anterior-to-posterior motion of the limbs is optimal for crutching, while increased anterior limb movement benefits Polypterus-like walking; and (3) sufficient limb strength is necessary for crutching but less so for walking, where axial bending mitigate its effects. Overall, our findings provide a potential explanation of why Polypterus and mudskippers adopt their distinct gaits, emerging as optimal solutions for their morphology within the broader space of all possible gaits.

  • Files
  • Details
  • Metrics
Loading...
Thumbnail Image
Name

Gevers+et+al_2025_Bioinspir._Biomim._10.1088_1748-3190_addc27.pdf

Type

Main Document

Version

Accepted version

Access type

openaccess

License Condition

CC BY

Size

4.94 MB

Format

Adobe PDF

Checksum (MD5)

a5dc9d4ff841d6d38cbec746a6c98a64

Logo EPFL, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne
  • Contact
  • infoscience@epfl.ch

  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Instagram
  • Follow us on LinkedIn
  • Follow us on X
  • Follow us on Youtube
AccessibilityLegal noticePrivacy policyCookie settingsEnd User AgreementGet helpFeedback

Infoscience is a service managed and provided by the Library and IT Services of EPFL. © EPFL, tous droits réservés