Robots help research shipwrecks

Researchers have introduced a type of robot that can support shipwreck research and underwater archaeological activities.

According to Sciencedaily, U-CAT robots are designed by the research team of the Biological Robot Center, Technological University of Tallinn, Republic of Estonia, to support the study of deep-sea shipwrecks as well as surveys. Ancient underwater.

U-CAT movement principle is similar to that of sea turtles. With the ability to control four flippers independently, the robot can move flexibly and flexibly. It can swim forward or backward, swim upwards or dive down and move in different directions.

Maneuverability is a feature that researchers want to apply to test equipment, when introduced into areas with limited space and limited space inside shipwrecks.

In addition, the robot is equipped with a camera, helping archaeologists record and reproduce images inside the area to be observed underwater.

U-CAT Robot.(Photo: lfpress.com)

According to Taavi Salumae, the person who conceived the U-CAT design idea, the underwater observation device or other robot has the mechanism of operating by the propeller system, often creating strong whirlpools and swept the mud layers below . This is one of the reasons that limits the ability of shipwrecks to display images inside. Meanwhile, the U-CAT stabilizer can help robots move in directions without creating the same effect.

Professor Maarja Kruusmaa, head of the Biological Robot Center, said U-CAT is a biological simulation robot , designed based on inspiration from animals and plants. This is the current trend of robot research and design in response to some limitations of technology, replaced by natural solutions.

Currently underwater robots are mainly used in oil and gas exploitation and defense. These robots are large in size and have a high price, so it is difficult to be used to research inside the wreck.

The study of underwater shipwrecks has so far been carried out by humans. U-CAT can be an alternative to people in dangerous, labor-intensive and time-consuming jobs.

U-CAT is designed according to the ARROWS research project funded by the European Union, to develop advanced technologies that support archaeological underwater activities. Projects will be tested in the Mediterranean and the Baltic Sea, two important historical areas and distinct European environmental conditions.