Michigan State University (MSU) has unveiled a newly updated Robofish they have designed and built, which has the ability to glide through water practically indefinitely.
The Robofish has been created by Xiaobo Tan, MSU associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, and uses little to no energy, while it gathers information about the pollution in the water it’s swimming through.
Advanced Sensor Technology
Robofish is equipped with an array of sensors that measure water temperature, quality, and other pertinent facts. These sensors are crucial for monitoring environmental conditions and detecting pollutants that could harm aquatic ecosystems. In the latest update, its creators have also renamed it, calling the creation Grace, which stands for “Gliding Robot ACE.” Xiaobo Tan explains a little more about his creation:
“Swimming requires constant flapping of the tail,” Tan said, “which means the battery is constantly being discharged and typically wouldn’t last more than a few hours.”- “This is why we integrated both locomotion modes – gliding and swimming – in our robot,” – “Such integration also allows the robot to adapt to different environments, from shallow streams to deep lakes, from calm ponds to rivers, with rapid currents.”
Energy Efficiency and Versatility
One of the standout features of Grace is its energy efficiency. Traditional robotic fish require continuous tail movement to swim, which drains the battery quickly. Grace, however, combines gliding and swimming, allowing it to conserve energy and extend its operational time. This dual-mode locomotion is particularly beneficial for long-term environmental monitoring, as it can glide for extended periods without needing frequent recharges.
Grace’s versatility is another significant advantage. It can navigate various aquatic environments, from shallow streams to deep lakes, and from calm ponds to rivers with rapid currents. This adaptability makes it an invaluable tool for researchers studying diverse water bodies. For instance, in shallow streams, Grace can glide smoothly without disturbing the sediment, while in deeper lakes, it can dive and collect data from different depths.
Applications and Future Prospects
The potential applications for Grace are vast. Environmental agencies can use it to monitor water quality in real-time, providing crucial data for pollution control and conservation efforts. Additionally, Grace can be deployed in disaster-stricken areas to assess water contamination levels, aiding in emergency response and recovery operations.
Moreover, Grace’s design can inspire future innovations in underwater robotics. Researchers are already exploring ways to enhance its capabilities, such as integrating advanced AI algorithms for autonomous navigation and decision-making. These improvements could enable Grace to perform more complex tasks, such as mapping underwater terrains or tracking marine life.
For more information on the new Robofish design, jump over to the Michigan State University (MSU) website for details.
Source: MSU
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