Ever imagined a robot that swims like a manta ray? 🌊 Well, China's got you covered! Engineers at the School of Navigation of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an have developed soft-body submersibles that look and move just like the majestic manta rays of the ocean. 🐠
These high-tech underwater gliders aren't just for show—they're on a mission to monitor and protect coral reefs. Since 2006, the team has been studying marine life to create submersibles that blend seamlessly with the ocean environment. Talk about bio-inspired tech! 🤖✨
Recently, these submersibles have been keeping a watchful eye on outbreaks of the crown-of-thorns starfish, a notorious coral predator lurking in the South China Sea. By mimicking marine creatures, the submersibles can get up close and personal without disturbing the underwater ecosystem. 🎯
The smaller models are perfect for marine education and checking up on coral health. But the big guys—with wingspans over 4 meters!—can dive deeper and stay underwater longer, collecting heaps of data to help scientists understand our oceans better. 📊🌐
But wait, aren't there sharks out there? 🦈 Many are curious if these manta ray bots are in danger of becoming shark snacks. Cao Yong, a professor at Northwestern Polytechnical University, assures us: \"Under normal circumstances, the working scene of small submersibles is under control. The large one has a wingspan of more than 4 meters. Typically, sharks will not touch it. But younger whales are more playful and may use their tails to damage it. To mitigate this, we will warn or drive away (the whale) through some sound.\"
Turns out, the real troublemakers are tiny microorganisms! 🦠 \"If there are too many attachments, it will affect its navigation,\" Professor Cao explains. Their solution? A special hydrogel coating that keeps those pesky microbes from hitching a ride. Slick! 💡
With technology like this, the future of ocean exploration and conservation is looking bright. Shine on, you crazy manta rays! ✨
Reference(s):
China designs 'manta ray' submersible for coral reef monitoring
cgtn.com
