A Shenyang-based company has made waves in marine technology by creating the world’s first intelligent robotic whale shark. Developed by Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group under the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited, this groundbreaking achievement signifies a major leap forward in underwater robotics.
The nearly five-meter-long, 350-kilogram bionic marvel replicates the movements of a real whale shark with remarkable precision. It can swim, turn, float, dive, and even mimic the movements of its mouth, offering an unprecedented level of realism in robotic marine life.
“This is the largest bionic fish we have studied so far. The whale shark has seven actuated joints, and each joint requires computing, communication, and sensing, which is also our key technology,” said Gao Chao, designer at the Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office of Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group.
The robotic whale shark boasts impressive functionalities, including wireless remote control, programmed swimming, and multi-joint bionic propulsion. It can reach speeds of up to 0.7 meters per second and dive to depths of 20 meters. Equipped with optical cameras, various sensors, sonar, and BeiDou positioning systems, it is capable of performing multiple tasks such as water quality monitoring, underwater terrain mapping, and specialized missions.
“When this robot operates underwater or carries out tasks, it inevitably encounters various obstacles. Integrating information obtained from multiple sensors is a technical challenge. The brain of the whale shark is like a computer; it must simultaneously screen and extract vast amounts of data, correcting and verifying them to quickly identify the surrounding environment,” explained Fang Xuelin, assistant director of the Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office.
Compared to traditional propeller-driven underwater robots, the bionic whale shark offers distinct advantages. Its enclosed design prevents water pollution, while its streamlined body minimizes entanglement with underwater obstacles and reduces harm to marine life.
Building on this success, the company has expanded its bionic product line to include models of Yangtze finless porpoises, killer whales, and dolphins. By seamlessly integrating marine bionic technology with intelligent systems, it is driving innovation in the underwater robotics sector.
As humanity delves deeper into the oceans, underwater robots emerge as indispensable tools for exploration and development. With advancements in materials science, control systems, and artificial intelligence, bionic robots like the whale shark are poised to revolutionize marine operations and scientific research.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
