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Robotic Fish Could Help Scientists Monitor U.S. Waters for Pollution

by Warren Riddle on November 5, 2009 at 12:45 PM

Over-fishing poses a severe threat to many fish species, but scientists around the world are currently hoping to stock various bodies of water with an impervious new breed. These mechanical robo-fish won't provide valuable sustenance, though, but they could provide scientists with beneficial information about pollutants, water temperature, and algae and oxygen levels.

English researchers are already preparing to populate the River Thames with schools of robot carp, and scientists from Michigan State University also hope to do the same with robotic perch in U.S. waters. The robo-perch prototype propels itself with polymer fins that are manipulated through an electric charge, although the cute little guy still lacks enough power to swim upstream or against currents.


So far, the U.S. model looks a lot more inviting and sounds much less terrifying, than the British version, since the smaller perch doesn't yet possess the horrifying ability to operate in a school without human control. It also doesn't have those hollow, haunting piranha eyes so you won't have to watch your own screaming reflection as the fish gnaws through your femoral artery during the obligatory revolt against humans. [From: MSU News via CNET]

Tags: michigan state university, MichiganStateUniversity, robot, robot carp, robot fish, robot perch, RobotCarp, RobotFish, RobotPerch, science, top

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