The University of San Diego has just developed a new generation robot capable of exploring the seabed without damaging the flora and fauna. To achieve this, the engineers were inspired by the squid and the flexibility of its body to move in the ocean. They designed their “squid bot” from soft materials cut by laser or designed in 3D printing.
To move around, they gave it the same elastic flexibility as the mollusk by means of a propulsion system that works by bringing water into the robot's body and expelling it. This system generates energy allowing it to travel 800 meters per hour.
So far, researchers have successfully tested their creation in a huge aquarium, but it could soon be tested in real life.
