Page 280 - Robots Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build

Underwater bots 13

UNDERWATER ROBOTICS IS AN EXPANSIVE FIELD. MOST
underwater robots are designed for salvage operations or explo-
ration. In the future, underwater robots will help farm the ocean
for fish, pharmaceuticals, minerals, and energy.

Underwater robots may also be used as mock-ups to test space-
faring robots. A neutrally buoyant robot is essentially weightless.
Propellers and motors replace rockets on these underwater robots. 259
The lack of friction encountered in space can only be simulated in
the underwater environment. If you want to design a robot that will
function in space, a good place to start is with an underwater robot.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has
funded the development of telepresence remotely operated vehi-
cles (TROVs) (see Fig. 13.1) and autonomous underwater vehicles
(AUVs). The TROV tests virtual-reality (VR) based telerobotic
techniques. Telepresence technologies are increasingly more impor-
tant in exploration and hazardous duty. Telepresence technology
will continue to grow in these fields and expand into others like
entertainment.

Dolphins and tunas

Interestingly, studies are being conducted that examine the swim-
ming motion and propulsion of fish. It is common knowledge that
underwater animals move and swim more efficiently than a ship’s
propeller can move a ship. Want to prove this to yourself easily?
Have you ever tapped on the glass of an aquarium filled with fish?
The sudden noise sometimes causes the fish to dart around so
quickly your eyes can’t follow their movement. Imagine if you
Team LRN Underwater bots

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