Here’s How Robots Are All Set to Change Our Seas

While our idea of robots may extend to science labs and household gadgets at the maximum, little do many of us know that robots are used in marine research as well. The oceans have a lot to gain from robotic technology. From raising fish to analysing shipwrecks, bots can be used to perform a variety of observational and programmed tasks in a more efficient manner. Scientists are hopeful about robotic technology helping us get one step closer to fathoming the mysteries of the oceans and help preserve them in all their biodiversity. Robots can gather data from places where it is not possible for humans to go in, paving the way for new discoveries.

·         The Stanford university had recently developed a mermaid robot called OceanOne, which will travel to coral reefs too deep for humans to reach. This will make it possible to get samples from hostile environments without being affected by air pressure and other constraints a human might face. Scientists will be able to manoeuvre and control this humanoid robot effectively, since they will be able to feel exactly like they are the ones diving and touching objects even though they are hundreds of feet away from the actual place.

·         Some robots designed like animals and even helpful for catching criminals, like the robotic tuna developed by Boston university which helps to catch smuggled goods by exploring harbours, piers, and vessels. The information conveyed by it can be used by the U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Protection to know exactly which vessels to raid and when. The tuna can even be equipped with explosive devices used to prevent terrorist attacks or underwater military threats.

·         Even without diving into actual oceans, robots can be of huge help to marine life. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego developed robots that mimic plankton movement. This helped to understand how planktons moved and interacted with each other, which would go a long way in identifying potential threats to marine fauna and how to prevent them.

·         Feeding people seafood in a sustainable manner has been a major concern of scientists for years now. While aquaculture does result in huge profits, it is important to invest in its growth while keeping in view the sustainability of the marine life. Some onshore aquaculture farms have developed robots to increase survival rate of seafish. These devices have enabled the farms to move further into the open ocean, which is safer for the fish to survive in and is good for the business as well.

When science benefits not just humans but our planet and other species in it, we can’t help but be awestruck.