A huge shadow glides beneath the surface of the warm, open sea. It has a dark hide, with vast, wing-like fins that rise and fall in sweeping arcs, pushing it forward with the grace of a bird in flight. This is the manta ray, one of nature’s most mesmerizing giants and ROKR’s inspiration for its latest mechanical masterpiece.
The Ocean’s Giant Acrobat
The manta ray (Mobula birostris) is a gentle filter feeder that can grow to an impressive 23 feet across and weigh over a ton. It inhabits the warm tropical and subtropical waters across the globe, such as off the Pacific coast of Mexico, Indonesia, and the Caribbean. It “flies” through the sea by flexing strong pectoral fin muscles that ripple down its length to propel its body against the water. This method of swimming conserves energy, enabling it to travel great distances with ease while maneuvering with precision through ocean currents.
They can be hunted by large Great White Sharks, but manta rays can transform their gentle motion into powerful beats that enable them to soar above the water’s surface or dive sharply into deeper waters with remarkable agility. It’s this balance of efficiency, agility, and elegance that scientists and designers are trying to emulate, inspiring biomimetic innovations in marine technology.
The Genius of Biomimicry
Through millions of years of evolution, nature has created solutions for different species that are more efficient, sustainable, and adaptable to their environment. These natural designs push science to think across multiple disciplines, including technology, engineering, and mathematics, to create technologies that use fewer resources, minimize environmental impact, and perform better in real-world conditions.
Using this design concept is known as biomimicry.
Biomimetics is the application of biomimicry in technology. In the case of the manta ray, technologies like underwater vehicles, propulsion systems, and bio-inspired robots are being developed with the manta ray’s maneuvering techniques as inspiration.
One example is the North Carolina State University researchers who created a soft robotic swimmer. This robot has manta ray-based fin motions that achieved a record speed of 6.8 body lengths per second by copying the way manta rays flap their fins to achieve underwater vertical and lateral movement.
Another example is DARPA's 'Manta Ray' project, a long-duration unmanned underwater vehicle that is autonomous, energy-efficient, stealthy, and capable of transporting heavy cargo for very long distances. It can also hibernate on the seabed when not in use.
These are but two machines that took inspiration from the manta ray’s swimming efficiency. Add now the ROKR Manta Ray, a biomimetic model and desktop replica of the manta’s fascinating design. It’s another testament to how nature’s engineering can inspire human creativity and STEAM learning.
The Mechanical ROKR Manta Ray
The Manta Ray is part of the ROKR Mechanical Species series, a line of moving metal creatures with biomimetic designs.
The Manta Ray has 108 pieces and features a dual-link transmission system to power the pectoral fins’ realistic 40° flapping motion. Moving in time is a separate mechanism that creates a low-frequency, 33° sway in the tail. These create a synchronized balance of grace and stability, recreating the manta ray’s natural underwater rhythm.
The structure is mounted on a slim stand with a broad base and the power button, where it seems to “fly” effortlessly above your desk.
The ROKR Manta Ray has two speeds: the languid Cruise Mode and the brisk Burst Mode.
The Cruise Mode activates the fins in smooth, rhythmic arcs while the blue and amber lights pulse softly in time with the motion. Another press of the button activates Burst Mode where the fins beat and the lights to flash with urgency. This high-speed flapping simulates a sudden escape from a predator.
A STEAM Experience
Building and observing the ROKR Manta Ray offers STEAM learners lifelong skills that help them succeed in their careers. The construction process strengthens spatial reasoning and sequencing skills while assembling 108 precision-cut metal pieces into place. These skills transfer directly into fields like engineering, design, and architecture.
Watching the manta’s lifelike biomimetic movements helps learners understand how biology inspires technology, connecting natural adaptations to modern innovations like robotics and underwater vehicles. This DIY project also encourages patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving, which are essential traits in both academic and professional settings. Most importantly, it nurtures qualities such as curiosity and creativity, paving the path for future scientists, engineers, and innovators.
An Interactive Learning Experience
By working on the ROKR Manta Ray, learners become more curious about how the natural world works and how those lessons can be applied to today’s technology. It’s a true STEAM lesson at every turn as users are challenged to think critically, solve problems, and appreciate the connection between science and design.
Watch the elegant “winged wanderer” and the principles of STEAM come alive right on your desk through the ROKR Manta Ray. Make theories and concepts become tangible, and apply what you have learned to create, design, and have fun.
Stay curious with ROKR!