Dive into the future of underwater robotics by designing, building, and operating your own bio-inspired microswimmer. In this interdisciplinary course, you will merge fluid-structure interaction (FSI) coupling fluid and structural dynamics, morphing materials, and Artificial Intelligence (Deep Reinforcement Learning) control to create a palm-sized Flapping Soft-Fin Microswimmer (FSFM) capable of agile movement in aquatic environments.
General information
The course is offered within the Tracks framework and is organised around a shared prototype platform. Students from different engineering backgrounds collaborate in cross-functional teams, each responsible for defined subsystems of the microswimmer (propulsion, control, sensing, materials, integration, testing).
The course follows a "Mission Pathway." You will work in teacher-assigned, multidisciplinary teams using a Role + Shadow-Role model—allowing you to contribute deep expertise in your home discipline while gaining breadth in another.
Weekly Routine:
- Lectures: One 2-hour session per week covering theoretical foundations and guest lectures.
- Group Dynamics: Weekly internal discussions and sync-meetings with the teaching team.
- Monthly Reviews: Cross-group "Project Review Meetings" to exchange inputs, outputs, and resolve technical interfaces.
You will utilize the FUSE lab for fabrication and the M2 Marine Technology Lab for final water tank testing and performance validation.
The course combines:
- Design and reduced-order engineering analysis
- Entry-level FSI simulations
- Embedded control implementation (PID and ML-assisted approaches)
- Laboratory prototyping and water tank experiments
- System integration workshops
The final deliverables include a functional prototype, reproducible technical artefacts (CAD, code, data), a concise technical report, and an oral presentation.
Prerequisites
The course is open to students with a background in:
- Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Control Theory, or Applied Physics.
- Recommended skills: Basic proficiency in CAD (e.g., SolidWorks/Fusion 360) and programming (Python or MATLAB).
How to apply
Apply to all Tracks courses at universityadmissions.se / antagning.se. Search for the course by using the course code TRA540. Read more on how to apply.
Course details
Teacher (s): Hua-Dong Yao (Examiner), Shivesh Kumar, Arion Pons, Ida-Maja Hassellöv
Course dates: Study period 1 & 2
Credits: 7.5
Level: A
Course code: TRA540