Engineers are schooling themselves on fish maneuvers

The video explores the biomechanics of fish locomotion, focusing on their muscular systems and how they enable efficient swimming. Researchers at Virginia Tech, supported by the National Science Foundation, study fish muscles and nerves to develop robotic fish that mimic these abilities. Fish have two types of muscle fibers: red for slow, efficient swimming and white for quick maneuvers. The design of fins affects swimming performance, with stiffer fins aiding speed and flexible fins aiding efficiency. The ultimate goal is to create smart materials for adaptive fins, potentially leading to submersibles that can change fin stiffness based on the environment.

What are the two types of muscle fibers found in fish, and how do they contribute to their swimming abilities?

How does the shape and design of a fish's fin affect its swimming performance?

What is the ultimate goal of Michael Philen and his team in their research on fish locomotion?

Describe how smart materials could be utilized in the development of robotic fish.

In what way do bio-engineered hair sensors help fish in their environment?