Robofish

A number of these things have been developed for various purposes. You can keep following links, but I just focused on a couple.

From Glasgow University:

RoboSalmon, an underwater robot meant to spy on the real fish, is being developed at Glasgow University.
The robot has a built-in camera to broadcast images of real fish back to the operators of the device. Zoologists will use RoboSalmon to monitor various fish species in their natural habitat.

A key feature of RoboSalmon is its propulsion system. Since the robot will use its fins and tail for movement, it will be able to move through the water in a way that is more natural for aquatic creatures. Propellers make an unnatural noise that disturbs fish; RoboSalmon's biomimetic characteristics should help it blend in.

And here, a neat video of the Essex Robotic carp in action.

The above video shows just how realistic the motion is. The robots are covered in light-reflective scales, as well as tiny sensors that provide information about the distance from obstacles.

No longer will we be shut out from the doings of the watery denizens.
We will infiltrate them- malevolent mackerels, sinister smelts, baneful barracudas- with loyal moles that have no choice but to report directly to us all that they see and hear.

PS: Just a head's up: keep this new development in mind the next time you think of going skinny-dipping.

PPSS: Can hardly wait for these things to start showing up in fishermen's nets, in foreign waters far from where they're supposed to be.

posted by Laura. at 07:51 PM

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