Hydropower, a robust clean energy source, inspires this study on capturing underwater kinetic energy using two electroactive polymer (EAP) materials - ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs) and electroactive polymer gels (EPG). Modeled after the fish lateral line, a fabricated EAP-based artificial neuromast responds to hydrodynamic stimuli, inducing bending and compressive strain, to leverage the unique MET behavior in both materials. The system, tested in a Brett-type flume with varied flow speeds, demonstrates energy harvesting potential. Mimicking nature’s sensory mechanisms, this artificial neuromast presents a passive, scalable, and eco-friendly means for underwater energy harvesting.
