14 July 2010
Pollution fighting robo-fish at Science Museum
Robotic fish could soon be tracking down pollution in our seas. The three year research project SHOAL lead by Luke Speller, Senior Research Scientist at BMT Group Ltd, aims to provide a new solution to detecting pollution. SHOAL uses robotic fish equipped with the latest chemical sensors and artificial intelligence.
The robotic fish will soon be undergoing sea trials to test their ability to monitor pollution. The robo-fish could soon be helping to improve the marine environment enabling constant, instant monitoring of pollution levels.
The fish, built by Professor Huosheng Hu of the University of Essex and his robotics team at the School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering, are currently being exhibited in the Science Museum’s new Antenna Gallery, where visitors can view the unique and innovative project.
The fish are designed to be far more efficient than current methods of monitoring pollution, such as sending divers to collect water samples. Professor Hu commented: “The robotic fish have been designed to mimic the natural movements of real fish… We want these robots to be able to swim for as long as possible before their batteries need recharging, so efficiency is vital.”
For more information about the project visit the SHOAL website or for details of the Science Museum exhibition visit the new Antenna website.
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