In an era where environmental degradation poses a significant threat to our planet, technological advancements are offering a glimmer of hope. Belle, a remarkable sea robot, is leading the charge in protecting and preserving our precious marine ecosystems. With its innovative features and tireless dedication, Belle is making a profound impact on conservation efforts around the world.
Belle is not your ordinary robot. Designed specifically for marine environments, this cutting-edge machine is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and a mission to restore and safeguard our oceans. Powered by renewable energy sources, Belle glides gracefully through the water, collecting vital data and implementing targeted conservation strategies.
Researchers in Switzerland have developed a new, autonomous fish robot capable of giving conservationists a clearer picture of the organisms that live under the sea without disturbing the marine environment. The robot – christened Belle by its developers – has been specifically designed to collect valuable data in a minimally invasive way.
We want to capture the ecosystems the way they actually behave, Those areas are particularly vulnerable to propeller-based systems that would just sort of shred through the corals or go and scare the fish away.
Leon Guggenheim, a mechanical engineering student at ETH Zurich, the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, told Reuters.
Utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) for autonomous navigation, the sea robot seamlessly maneuvers underwater and adeptly gathers DNA samples and high-resolution videos, seamlessly blending into the vibrant coral reef surroundings. With compact dimensions of less than one meter and a weight of nearly 10 kg when not submerged, Belle relies on a silicone fin with two chambers that cycle water to propel itself forward.
“These cavities are filled and emptied with water through a pump system, and that moves the fin back and forth, because you have a cavity on one side which creates an overpressure and a cavity on the other side which creates a vacuum. That then bends the fin in one direction,” Guggenheim said.
Belle acts as an ambassador for marine conservation, raising awareness and inspiring communities to take action. By highlighting the importance of marine ecosystems, Belle fosters a collective commitment to protect these vital habitats for generations to come. Belle forms a network of guardians working together towards a common goal. Through coordinated efforts, these robots can cover vast areas, share information, and implement large-scale conservation strategies.
