Sanjay Giridharan
Aerospace engineering
Hometown: Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
Graduation date: Fall 2027
Additional details: First-generation college student
FURI | Spring 2025
Biomimetic Seal Whisker Sensors for Enhanced Underwater Robot Navigation
This research investigates how the remarkable hydrodynamic sensing capabilities of seal whiskers can be translated into biomimetic sensors for next-generation underwater robotics. By mimicking the unique undulating morphology of harbor seal whiskers, the research team develops sensors that reduce vortex-induced vibrations by 90% while maintaining exceptional sensitivity to external flow disturbances. These revolutionary sensors enable underwater robots to navigate complex environments, detect objects, and track moving targets in zero-visibility conditions where traditional technologies fail completely. Future research will focus on optimizing whisker arrays for cooperative sensing behavior, potentially transforming applications in marine conservation, underwater search-and-rescue, and environmental monitoring with unprecedented capabilities.
Mentor: Leixin Ma
It’s hip to be square.
Students presenting projects at the Fulton Forge Student Research Expo are encouraged to download this personal QR code and include it within your poster. This allows expo attendees to explore more about your project and about you in the future.
Right click the image to save it to your computer.