Engineers are 'schooling' themselves on fish maneuvers - Science Nation

The video explores the biomechanics of fish locomotion, focusing on their complex muscular system that enables efficient swimming and maneuverability. Researchers at Virginia Tech aim to develop robotic fish using insights from fish muscle and nerve interactions. The study highlights the two-gear muscle system in fish, with red fibers for slow, efficient swimming and white fibers for rapid maneuvers. The ultimate goal is to create smart materials for adaptive fins, enhancing speed and maneuverability. Additionally, bioengineered sensors modeled after fish lateral lines are being developed to detect water flow changes, potentially leading to vehicles that mimic fish behavior.

Describe the potential applications of smart materials in the development of robotic fish.

In what ways do hair cell sensors enhance a fish's ability to interact with its environment?