GLOBAL CHALLENGES

Robot Can Lead Schools of Fish

Rebecca Kutzer-Rice | Date: 06-17-10 | Comments

Scientists at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University have created an aquatic robot that is able to lead schools of fish and perhaps eventually other species�even humans.

Here at Smarter Technology, we're all about robots: robots that lie, robots that smile and now, thanks to scientists at the Polytechnic Institute of New York University, robots that lead.

Maurizio Porfiri, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the school, has developed a swimming robot that can direct the course of live schooling fish. Porfiri imagines that this technology, which combines biology, mathematics and engineering, could someday be used to lead fish away from dangerous man-made structures, and even be applied to other species.

The research began by monitoring the behaviors of schools of fish. Scientists observed how school leaders use certain behaviors, such as rapidly beating their tails and quickly accelerating, to assemble and guide their fellow fish. Because the leaders often belonged to different species, Porfiri speculated that fish would follow even artificial devices mimicking these natural behaviors. This speculation led to the invention of a small but powerful robot.

Small enough to fit in the palm of a hand, Porfiri's remote-controlled aquatic robot successfully simulates the characteristics of fish leaders. To swim, the robot uses a battery that stimulates ionic polymers, material that shrinks and swells in response to electricity. This technology provides for realistic muscle-like movement. It also allows the robot to move silently so that it can engage with live fish. The researchers hope to eliminate the battery someday by developing a robot that draws energy from the movement of water.

This small device looks like a grenade, but is actually an aquatic robot that can be used to direct the course of large schools of fish (source: NYU-Poly).

The robotic fish could have a positive effect on marine ecosystems, which are currently suffering from threats like development and pollution. The technology could be used to direct schools of fish away from dangerous areas, such as turbines and oil spills. Porfiri believes that this technology could also be applied to other species of animals. Robots could lead birds, for example, to new winter habitats. Similar devices could even be used to help humans exit burning buildings.

Some fear these robots might have negative effects, such as over-fishing or wrecking delicate ecosystems. How do you think robotic leaders might be used�for better or for worse?