Enhancing efficiency and propulsion in bio-mimetic robotic fish through end-to-end deep reinforcement learning
Bionic robotic fish suffer from low propulsion efficiency and high energy consumption. Method: This study proposes an end-to-end deep reinforcement learning (DRL) control framework, introducing— for the first time in underwater bionic robotics—extended pressure sensing combined with temporal Transformer modeling, integrated with a policy transfer mechanism to enhance training stability and environmental adaptability. Training achieves autonomous, stable, and rapid convergence within CFD simulations (Re = 6000). Contribution/Results: The DRL policy improves propulsion efficiency by 37% and reduces specific energy consumption per unit thrust by 29% over conventional pre-programmed gaits. Flow-field analysis reveals that efficiency stems from embodied regulation of body deformation and vortex–body interactions. The core contribution is a novel bio-inspired locomotion control paradigm unifying perception, spatiotemporal modeling, and decision-making.