Inspenet, July 4, 2023.
Her name is Belle and the mission of this robot fish is to study the organisms found under the sea.
Underwater exploration continues to give way to new opportunities in terms of technological advances and Belle is an innovative example in this regard. It is an autonomous robot designed by researchers in Switzerland to collect valuable data from the oceans without disturbing the marine ecosystem.
Thanks to its ability to move silently and blend in with its surroundings, it has the potential to transform the current way of studying marine organisms and the factors that affect them, such as overfishing and climate change.
A discreet and noble robot fish with the marine environment
The main advantage of this technological creation lies in its ability to operate without causing disturbances in the marine environment . Unlike conventional propeller-driven systems, which can damage coral reefs and scare fish, Belle moves silently and blends in like a real sea creature. This approach ensures that studies in sensitive and vulnerable areas are carried out in a respectful manner and without negative consequences for the environment.
Another positive aspect is that because it is autonomous and equipped with artificial intelligence (AI) , it can move fluidly underwater. Furthermore, its capabilities go beyond navigation, as it can also collect DNA samples and record high-resolution video .
How does Belle work?
Belle has a compact and lightweight design, weighing approximately 10kg out of water and less than one meter in length; aspects that facilitate its transport and maneuverability.
Its ability to move is achieved by a silicone fin with two cavities that are filled and emptied by a pumping system. This generates a smooth and silent movement of the fin, allowing it to move without disturbing the natural environment, especially the coral reefs present in the deep sea.
Likewise, Belle has a range of approximately two hours before its batteries need to be recharged. Once it completes its mission, it ascends to the surface and sends out a GPS signal for recovery . During this stage, batteries and environmental DNA filters are replaced, thus eliminating the need to send data in real time.
Marine biologists believe that Belle will soon become an indispensable tool for the study and protection of diverse reef ecosystems. By collecting accurate data without causing disturbance, researchers will be able to better understand the health and biodiversity of marine life, which will contribute to conservation efforts and address challenges such as overfishing and climate change.
Source: https://wwwhatsnew.com/2023/07/03/belle-el-robot-pez-ai-que-explora-organismos-bajo-el-mar/