Researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a soft-bodied and unremarkable robotic fish named SoFi to help get a better look at sea creatures that are easily spooked or camera-shy. Made of 3-D-printed plastics, the fish swims semi-autonomously and is controlled by a human who can direct it left, right, and down.
“Experimental results gathered from tests along coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean show that the robotic fish can successfully navigate around aquatic life at depths ranging from 0 to 18 meters,” or about 60 feet, researchers wrote in the journal Science. “We believe that our study advances beyond what is currently achievable.”
The Economic Times also notes that future versions of the fish may include entire schools that can help monitor ocean health.
Take a look at SoFi in action below.
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