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Scientists making fishy robots for naval research

Photo: Jellyfish or surveillance robot? Well this time it’s a Mediterranean jellyfish. CREDIT: Intandem SOURCE: Wikipedia (Public Domain)

from SunHerald.com 

Published: October 23, 2012

By JANET McCONNAUGHEY — Associated Press

NEW ORLEANS — An eel undulating through coastal waters, powered by batteries and checking for mines. A jellyfish is actually a surveillance robot, powered by the atoms around it. Fins pick up intelligence while propelling a robot bluegill sunfish.

The Office of Naval Research is supporting baby steps toward making those visions of the future a reality. For instance, the jellyfish work in Texas and Virginia is focused on how the creatures move in water, and how to mimic or even surpass their abilities. The robojellyfish is currently tethered to hydrogen and oxygen tanks, and ONR project manager Robert Brizzolara said he doesn’t plan to try making it move autonomously yet. . . . Read Complete Report