Chinese scientists develop jellyfish-like robot
This robot from China looks and moves like a jellyfish. It is said to be suitable for a variety of applications.
Robot jellyfish with natural model
(Image: Northwestern Polytechnical University)
Researchers in China have developed a robot inspired by a jellyfish and almost indistinguishable from it. It is intended for deep-sea research.
The team at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an calls their development "Underwater Ghost" (Chinese: 水下幽灵). Its transparent body has a diameter of 12 centimeters, and the entire robot weighs 56 grams. According to the researchers, the system requires only 28.5 milliwatts.
For propulsion, the developers have equipped the robot with artificial muscles that work electrohydraulically. This allows the Underwater Ghost to move almost like its natural counterpart. However, the researchers do not provide details on how fast the robot moves or how deep it can dive.
Navigation via AI
An AI chip controls the robot; it navigates and processes data from sensors that capture the environment. This includes a camera, among other things. There is no information about what other sensors are installed or how the robot stores or communicates data.
Project leader Tao Kai told the Chinese online news service Science and Technology Daily that with its low power consumption, low noise, and advanced bionic properties, the robotic jellyfish is very well suited for covert deep-sea surveillance. Observations in ecologically sensitive regions or for inspecting underwater infrastructure are also conceivable.
This means that the Underwater Ghost could also be used for espionage missions. With its transparent body, resemblance to real jellyfish, and technical characteristics, it should be difficult to detect.
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Tao Bai and his team are not the first roboticists to imitate a jellyfish. However, not all of them achieve such a likeness as the Underwater Ghost.
(wpl)
