When enough data has been collected, the robot fish will surface and transmit the data via a wireless signal to the port’s control center. Data from each fish will be used to create a 3-d map of pollution in the bay. When the robot is nearing the end of it’s battery charge, it will navigate back to a power hub to recharge.
Researchers expect to release the robots into the harbor in 18 months. No word yet on what the fish will look like, but don’t expect them to be the shiny specimens we’re showing here. The researchers say that appearances aren’t nearly as important as how they work. Check out this video to see the robot fish in motion.
Read more: Monitoring Water Pollution With Robotic Fish | Inhabitat - Sustainable Design Innovation, Eco Architecture, Green Building