A groundbreaking achievement in marine technology has emerged from the Chinese mainland, where Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group, under the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited, has developed the world's first intelligent robotic whale shark.
This nearly five-meter-long, 350-kilogram bionic marvel mirrors the movements of a real whale shark with exceptional precision. Capable of swimming, turning, floating, diving, and even mimicking mouth movements, the robotic whale shark represents a significant leap in underwater robotics.
Gao Chao, designer of the Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office at Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group, highlighted the complexity of the design: \"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.\"
Equipped with wireless remote control, programmed swimming, and multi-joint bionic propulsion, the robot can reach speeds of up to 0.7 meters per second and dive to depths of 20 meters. Its advanced features include optical cameras, various sensors, sonar, and BeiDou positioning systems, enabling tasks such as water quality monitoring, underwater terrain mapping, and specialized missions.
Fang Xuelin, assistant director of the Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office, explained the technical challenges: \"When this robot performs underwater tasks, it encounters various obstacles. Fusing information from multiple sensors is a technical difficulty. The brain of a whale shark is a computer, processing vast amounts of data to identify the surrounding environment quickly and accurately.\"
Unlike 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 aquatic obstacles and reduces harm to marine life.
Building on this success, Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group has expanded its bionic product line to include models of the Yangtze finless porpoise, killer whales, and dolphins. By integrating marine bionic technology with intelligent systems, the company is driving innovation in the underwater robotics sector.
As humanity delves deeper into the oceans, underwater robots like the intelligent robotic whale shark are becoming indispensable tools for exploration and development. With advancements in materials science, control systems, and artificial intelligence, these bionic robots are poised to revolutionize marine operations and scientific research.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
