In this paper we presented the design of a miniaturized
underwater glider as a key element for realizing efficient and
maneuverable gliding robotic fish. The design was carried
out systematically with a dynamic model for the glider, and
a prototype was successfully demonstrated. We validated
both the static and dynamic models via real underwater
experiments, and also explained the causes for errors between
experimental results and the model predictions.
For future work, we will first instrument the glider with
accelerometers and gyros, and investigate feedback control
of the robot. We will then implement an active tail for the
glide, and study the modeling and control of such gliding
robotic fish in both locomotion and maneuvering.