Tumblr 101: Tips And Tricks To Get Started
Sebastian Thrun: Google's Driverless Car
Robo-Fish Swim Just Like the Real Thing
It's good to hear that engineers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) are starting to spend some time outside every once in a while. Pablo Alvarado, a mechanical engineer, and his colleagues at that prestigious university must have done so in developing their latest project: the robo-fish.
Between five and eight inches long, the prototypes are comprised of a mere 10 movable parts and covered with a highly flexible, water- and heat-resistant polymer. Modeled to swim (check out a video after the break) like their aquatic inspirations, the robots can apparently accurately imitate the movements of freshwater bass, trout and tuna. While so specifically mirroring natural movements might seem like a gimmick, Alvarado and his associates are actually delving into biomimicry, which hinges on the idea that -- in many cases -- nature's design is the best one.
Between five and eight inches long, the prototypes are comprised of a mere 10 movable parts and covered with a highly flexible, water- and heat-resistant polymer. Modeled to swim (check out a video after the break) like their aquatic inspirations, the robots can apparently accurately imitate the movements of freshwater bass, trout and tuna. While so specifically mirroring natural movements might seem like a gimmick, Alvarado and his associates are actually delving into biomimicry, which hinges on the idea that -- in many cases -- nature's design is the best one.
In this case, a more biologically accurate design would potentially increase the maneuverability and speed of the robot. Alvarado told Wired that, though the fish are not yet completed (They only swim at 10-percent of an actual fish's speed, and still rely on wired power.), the refined design could eventually assist the Navy by conducting underwater reconnaissance, or construction, utility and oil companies by inspecting subaqueous pipelines. Now, if only they were any good deep-fried with hot sauce... [From: Wired]
16 Grammys Looks That Weren't Working
Whitney Houston Autopsy: Cause of Death Determined?
Matt Bomer Comes Out As Gay
Whitney Houston, Bobbi Kristina: Late Singer's Daughter Hospitalized
Whitney Houston Dead: Singer Dies at 48, Body Found in Beverly Hilton Hotel
How Hattie Lost 300 Pounds: 'I Was Ready To Do Whatever It Took To Survive'
Whitney Houston Dead: Stars React to Legend's Sudden Death
Adele Five-Year Break? Singer Plans to Focus on Relationship, Write 'Happy Record'
Grammy Awards 2012: The Best & Worst Of The Red Carpet!
Jennifer Hudson Whitney Tribute: Grammy President Reveals Why Singer Was Chosen for Musical Memorial
Grammy 2012 Winners' List: Adele Sweeps Music's Biggest Night
Mom Had Labor Induced To Let Dying Father See Daughter
3 Economic Misconceptions That Need to Die
5-Hour Energy: A Success Equal Parts Caffeine, Chemistry and Meditation
12 Grammys Stars Who Gave Good Style
People With Easy-To-Pronounce Names More Likely To Succeed, Study Says
PHOTOS: Beautiful Scars
15 Funny Valentine's Day Cards
Pastor's Daughter Accidentally Shot At Church
The Top 10 Slacker Colleges
Mystery Disease Kills Thousands
JUNGLE SURVIVAL: Marines Drink Snake Blood, Eat Insects
PHOTOS: Thank God For Grown-Up Glamour
Taylor Swift Does Great Depression Chic
PHOTO: Kate Upton Scores 'Sports Illustrated' Swimsuit Issue Cover!
Comments
2
Subscribe to commentsmacbwnAug 25th 2009 11:28AM
Good? thinking. Now the world has robot fish to put bombs in.
fishy-fishy-fishSep 1st 2009 10:24AM
About 18 seconds after you drop one of these in the water, it will get eaten by a bigger, dumber fish. Then the real value will be taking measurements of the inside of a fish just before it's poisoned to death by robofish parts.