To compare the energy costs of different techniques animal swims, American engineers have developed a robot swimmer style turtle Wednesday. This robot swimmer was named Madeleine by its designers of Vassar College in New York. Its shape and its measurements are comparable to those of a sea turtle It measures 80 cm long and 30 cm wide and weighs 24 kg. Thanks to him, U.S. scientists have studied the energy cost of different techniques of swimming. Madeleine is equipped with four fins, which can be activated independently. The researchers were able to compare the modes of propulsion involving two or four fins. Conclusion: with four fins active, acceleration and braking are better. Continue reading →