New York University researchers have developed ‘robotic’ fish that they say could save the lives of thousands of undersea creatures. The prototypes fool shoals of fish into thinking they are their ‘leader’ and have in tests changed the direction the group swims in. Researchers say that if deployed into the water, which has been affected by a toxic spill, these robots could lead marine life away from danger.
They could also help them to steer clear of man-made obstacles like undersea turbines.
Developer Dr Maurizio Porfiri said that normally mankind takes inspiration from nature to improve itself, but this time he wanted to better the lot of aquatic animals.
“Studies of schools of fish, flocks of birds and herds of animals have inspired robotic systems designed for our own applications,” the Daily Mail quoted Porfiri as saying.
Read the complete story from Hindustan Times.