Chinese researchers have developed a transparent, jellyfish-inspired robot that can conduct stealthy underwater missions without perturbing marine life. Nicknamed the “underwater phantom,” this bionic jellyfish was designed by Professor Tao Kai and his team at Northwestern Polytechnical University’s School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering in Xi’an, Shaanxi province.
According to reports from the South China Morning Post and Science and Technology Daily, when submerged, the robot is almost indistinguishable from the real jellyfish. Its see-through, umbrella-like body and soft tentacles are made from a hydrogel electrode material, allowing it to blend completely into the ocean environment.
The tiny machine, about 12 centimeters wide and weighing only 56 grams, moves by means of an electrostatic hydraulic actuator-a mechanism that imitates the natural contraction and relaxation of jellyfish muscles. Astoundingly, it runs on 28.5 milliwatts of power with almost no noise or vibration, making it perfect for long-term, low-impact monitoring.
But the bionic jellyfish is more than just a pretty face: It’s equipped with a tiny camera and an AI chip that allow it to identify and track underwater objects using machine learning. In a televised demonstration via China’s state broadcaster CCTV, the robot hovered smoothly in moving water and successfully recognized items such as a clownfish and a university emblem.
Researchers say this ghostlike creation could be used for a range of purposes, including:
Unobtrusive monitoring of fish populations and marine ecosystems:
Conducting environmental research in fragile underwater habitats.
Viewing underwater structures or conducting hidden surveillance operations in open water.
According to Professor Tao, the jellyfish robot’s low energy use, silent operation, and lifelike design make it particularly well-suited for use in delicate marine environments beyond what is possible with more traditional underwater drones. The project reflects a broader global trend in robotics, where engineers find inspiration in the nature around them to design smarter, quieter, and more efficient machines that can navigate through complex real-world settings-in this case, through the mysterious and fragile depths of the ocean.
How much does a Chinese robot cost?
The robots on sale range in price from 2,000 yuan ($278, £207) to several million yuan. Visitors will be able to interact with a wide range of robots, including dogs and chess players, organisers said. There is also a separate section offering replacement parts and robot maintenance services.
Has China created a policing robot?
China is testing a ball-shaped RT G police robot for city patrols. It can travel up to 35 kilometers per hour on streets and in public squares. The robot has cameras, flashing lights, and sensors to watch over crowded places.
Did China build a robot with a human brain?
Chinese scientists develop artificial brain to control ‘brain-on-chip organoid’ robot. Scientists in China have developed a ‘brain-on-chip’ system that combines lab-grown human brain matter with a neural interface chip to power a so-called ‘organoid’ robot.
How close is human DNA to jellyfish?
[] Us and them: Although humans and jellyfish would seem to be about as different as possible, we actually share 60% of our DNA with them.
Is immortality biologically possible?
While, as shown with creatures such as hydra and Planarian worms, it is indeed possible for a creature to be biologically immortal, these are animals which are physiologically very different from humans, and it is not known if something comparable will ever be possible for humans.
