A group of young scientists in China are developing an innovative solution to monitor and protect fragile coral reef ecosystems - a biomimetic robot designed to mimic a manta ray.
About 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered by oceans. Coral reefs, often called "underwater tropical rainforests," are crucial to marine ecosystems in maintaining ecological balance, but they face numerous threats.
Traditional methods of observation using propeller-driven underwater vehicles can potentially damage these delicate environments, the developer of the bionic fish robot told China Global Television Network (CGTN).
The biomimetic manta ray project represents a promising intersection of robotics, marine biology, and conservation efforts. By leveraging biomimetic technology, researchers hope to provide a less invasive method for studying and protecting coral reefs.
"Coral reefs are fragile and sensitive. The way we observe and protect coral reefs is very important. If we use a traditional propeller-driven underwater vehicle to observe them, it can significantly impact or even damage the coral reefs and the coral reef ecosystem," said Qu Yilin, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern Polytechnical University.
The team chose to model their robot after a manta ray due to its superior maneuverability in water.
"In developing this biomimetic fish, we studied many different species. Each has its distinctive features. A manta ray can swim forwards and backwards, execute tight turns, dive, and even perform backflips. Overall, with its stability and flexibility, it was the best of all the subjects we studied," Qu said.
Analyzing the problems of biomimetic submersibles required Qu and his team to create a new theoretical framework.
Despite these challenges, Qu and his team are optimistic about their work, as they are fortunate to be living in an era with such excellent research tools, and so many new directions for the research.
Although coral reefs make up less than one percent of the ocean floor, they support about 25 percent of all marine species.
Researchers create biomimetic manta ray to help protect coral reef
