China mimics saltwater robots

Scientists from China's Zhejiang Province have developed a non-motorized, muddy fish that can be used under water to measure temperature and salinity. Sea water, while detecting contaminants.

This robot is 9.3cm in length and weighs 90g. The core is an electrically controlled device, with the body, fins and tail made of silicone.

Fish robots have polymer-shaped muscles that can bend and stretch.

All parts of the robot are transparent except for the battery compartment and two electromagnets. According to the scientists, the soft and transparent hindquarters would allow the robotic fish to easily slip through the narrow rock slits without being damaged or being caught by other sea creatures.

In addition, instead of working with traditional electric motors, robotic individuals have polymer-shaped muscles that can bend and stretch.

In terms of speed, the robot can swim 6 centimeters per second, breaking the record of previous underwater robots by 3 centimeters per second.

With an external power supply, the robot can swim at a maximum speed of 14cm / sec, equivalent to the speed of fish of the same size.

According to Li Tiefeng, the material used to make the robot is very popular, cheap and environmentally friendly.

"Our next goal is to improve the efficiency of artificial muscles and to develop key techniques for mass production," he said.