The next time you’re swimming off the picture postcard beaches of Mustique (or Margate, we’re not snobs) don’t be alarmed when a slimy gelatinous zooplankton-like creature starts stroking your big toe. It’s not a real jellyfish. No, it’s much more bizarre than that – it’s a freakin’ robotic jellyfish.
That’s right, folks, American scientists from Virginia Tech University have unveiled a swimming machine that looks and acts like a regular jellyfish. Referred to as Robojelly (see what they did there?), the ‘creature’ is powered by a mass of chemical reactions far too complicated for us to explain. Or even understand. It’s something to do with hydrogen and oxygen apparently.
So, the question that obviously begs itself is why? Well, apart from why not? – these are boffins after all – it’s hoped that these fake fish will be able to assist in search and rescue operations in the future.
Unfortunately, we can’t see past some ridiculous B-movie wherein a school of Robojellies attempt to take over the world. But that’s just us. Always daydreaming…
For more Robojelly goodies watch the video below.
Image: YouTube
