Welcome to the South Australian Node of the Australian National Fabrication Facility
Pioneering shark bite protection with innovative South Australian research infrastructure
2026_09
A novel shark-bite simulator that replicates the biomechanics of a shark bite is enabling scientific research of protective materials and shark injury mitigation technologies.
Despite the rarity of shark bites, research shows that their occurrence has increased globally which is contributing to the expansion of mitigation measures being developed. This includes personal protection items such as wetsuits made with novel lightweight fabrics resistant to punctures and lacerations. In the unlikely event of a shark bite, research indicates the material could reduce blood loss which is the primary cause of death from shark bites.
However scientific research of the new wetsuit material has been limited by the logistical constraints of field testing with live sharks and the ability to obtain consistent replicated bites. To address the shortcomings of field tests, the Shark Bite Simulator was designed and built by the ANFF-SA team at Flinders University in collaboration with the Southern Shark Ecology Group (SSEG) including researchers Professor Charlie Huveneers and Madeline Riley.
Madeline said “given the constraints of field experiments on live sharks, the Shark Bite Simulator provides a safe, repeatable, and cost-effective alternative to field testing with large sharks.”
ANFF-SA experts and facilities were crucial in building the simulator. The simulator features a machined replica tooth and is designed to imitate the shark bite forces and motion in a lab setting.
Anthony Papageorgiou, Engineering Services Manager said “in consultation with SSEG, the Flinders ANFF-SA team used our PCB suite, laser cutter, and CNC Mill in the engineering workshop to design and build the Shark Bite Simulator.”
Madeline said "the simulator design underwent several iterations and the construction would not have been possible without ANFF-SA’s expertise and access to their facilities. The team were highly skilled, collaborative, and ultimately brought the shark-bite simulator to life."
The potential impact of the Shark Bite Simulator is gaining attention. It could facilitate a wide range of research projects related to biomechanics of shark bites that previously had been challenging or impractical to undertake.
Initial research which Madeline is most excited to test “is the potential to identify effective bite-resistant wetsuit materials, which could reduce blood loss from shark bites and ultimately save lives.”
The possibility of shark bite-resistant wetsuits providing similar protection to traditional chainmail suits, without the limitations of weight and mobility restrictions, is exciting. It could revolutionise safety in the ocean from shark bites for recreational water-based activities such as surfing, diving, snorkelling and swimming.