SoFi — the robotic fish — short for soft robotic fish is the most versatile bot of its kind, according to its creators at MIT’s computer science and AI lab CSAIL. Scientists could use SoFis to study movement patterns of ocean life, help protect ocean from threats of human intrusion and climate change.
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A fish-eye view of marine life
To observe marine life, scientists normally use remote operated devices - expensive, noisy, large that tended to scare animals away. SoFi is small and inexpensive, and since its mimics fish, creatures often swim alongside the robot, giving the robot the best view of marine life in action.
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What is it made of?
Its housing is made from moulded and 3D printed plastics, meaning it is cheap and fast to fabricate. It has got a built-in buoyancy tank full of compressed air that means it can adjust its depth and linger at specific points in the water column.
SoFi’s propulsion system is its asset. This is a powerful hydraulic actuator that pumps water in and out of a pair of internal chambers, moving its tail fin back and forth. Not only is this quieter than using propellors like a submarine, but it’s also less dangerous.
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SoFisticated study
Future versions of SoFi will also improve the fish's swimming and vision, and its creators say they are sketching out plans for SoFi 'swarms': schools of artificial fish set loose to monitor ocean health, perhaps recharged by solar-cell platforms floating on the water's surface.
