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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Here’s How Robots Are All Set to Change Our Seas
Reviewed by Ninja Tech
on
August 02, 2019
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