"ROBOTICS: Robo-Fish to Perform Smarter Water Monitoring"

Robotic fish will use electro-active-polymer fins to gather precise data on aquatic conditions and habitats, in hopes of gaining answers about the effects of climate change and other outside forces on our freshwater ecosystems. Look for widespread use of robotic fish for civilian and military applications within five years. R.C.J.


Robo-fish will soon be flexing their electro-active-polymer fins to perform critical environmental monitoring that safeguards our lakes, aqua farms and reservoirs.
Robotic fish are needed to monitor the quality of water in rivers, streams and lakes, according to Michigan State University researchers who have crafted artificial muscles to power them. Electro-active polymers use electrical signals from a microprocessor to activate artificial muscles that enable the robots to swim in a manner similar to natural fish. Watch a video showing how electrical engineer Xiaoba Tan is collaborating with zoologist Elema Litchman to design their robo-fish
Text: http://www.smartertechnology.com/c/a/Technology-For-Change/RoboFish-to-Perform-Smarter-Water-Monitoring/