Jellyfish-Inspired Robots May One Day Clean Ocean Beds Without Even Touching The Trash – SlashGear

“70% of marine litter is estimated to sink to the seabed,” notes Hyeong-Joon Joo, co-author of the research paper published in Science Advances. The robot can work alone, as well as in groups, moving at a speed of up to 6.1 centimeters per second. The robotic movements are delicate enough that they can also handle fish eggs on the ocean floor.

Four of the robot’s arms function as propellers, while the other two act as grippers. Right now, the robots require a wire to operate, but the team has already figured out modules for battery and wireless communication to achieve a truly wireless operational convenience. While tests in a pond setting have been successful, the team is now looking at improvements that could offer more control over steering and mobility, especially in challenging oceanic environments. 

The team is also looking at using biodegradable materials for the construction of the robotic parts. Research is also underway to boost the lifespan of these bots. During the tests, the team managed 10 cycles from bed to the surface of a tank, 20 times each day for two weeks, without breaking down the Jellyfish Bot test samples. The team is looking at solutions like self-clearing electrodes, dielectric coatings for stronger heat seals, and using adhesives to avoid electric failures.