Robots are reaching the level what we see in science fiction such as Star Wars. Now British scientists have developed (at the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, University of Essex) Robotic fish that they are planning to release into the sea to detect pollution. Yes. Robots will enter the sea at the port of Gijon in northern Spain as part of a three-year research project.

The robot will be equipped with tiny chemical sensors to find the source of potentially hazardous pollutants in the water, such as leaks from vessels in the port or underwater pipelines. The fish robot will communicate with each other using ultrasonic’s and information will be transmitted to the port's control centre via Wi-Fi from the charging hub where the fish can charge their batteries.

Unlike robotic fish that worked with remote controls, these will have autonomous navigation capabilities, enabling them to swim independently around the port without any human interaction. This will also enable them to return automatically to their hub to be recharged when battery life is low.

While using shoals of robotic fish for pollution detection in harbors might appear like something straight out of science fiction, there are very practical reasons for choosing this form and it is expected that this will work very well.

Related posts:

1. Lawnbott Robotic Lawn Mower Evolution Model LB3200