Robotic submersibles take on fish-like sensing abilities

Controlling your fish remotely is one thing, but utilizing fish sense to dictate the actions of an uncrewed submersible is an entirely different animal. Malcolm MacIver and colleagues at Northwestern University have created an "artificial electric-field sensing system that could ultimately give robotic subs the same additional sensory capabilities" as found in weakly electric fish. These particular sea-dwellers have an uncanny ability to sense electric fields, and can also generate their own to "help navigate, identify objects, and even communicate with other fish." The newfangled "electro-location" system could allow underwater bots big and small to more accurately maneuver and collect data, particularly in situations where precise movements and recognition of surroundings is important. Even the creators admit that it'll be quite some time before man made sensors can come close to mimicking those found in nature, but judging by the videos seen in the read link, they're certainly riding the right wave.

[Via NewScientistTech]

[michael @ May 5th 2007 5:08PM]

Dear Scientist,

Please stop beating around the bush and just go ahead and make "autonomous" submersibles that are piloted by fish...

Sincerely,
Michael

[michael @ May 5th 2007 5:13PM]

Dear Scientist,

If fish can make these so called "electrical fields" why aren't we using them to power our homes in a way that does not destroy the earch. In your face smarty pants.

Holla,
Michael

[Vortex @ May 5th 2007 5:39PM]

You would have to "power" the fish by feeding it. Disregarding the inefficiencies of bringing the energy to the individual in the form of food and the fact that the fish uses energy for many other things, you still cannot expect more energy from the fish than that coming from the food.

[Mikey @ May 5th 2007 7:29PM]

Dear Michael

Stop making banal comments that reveal your ignorance of science.

Sincerely

A. Scientist

[Linda @ May 6th 2007 8:16AM]

Congratulations to the Scientist. This may be a good way to track a food source.

Michael
Imagine the power given off by a sardine powering your house.
Vortex
Get a real name. Quit hiding behind a joke. Read a little more and you'll find electric energy is given off by more than fish.

[michael @ May 7th 2007 2:40PM]

Dear Linda,

I quite often imagine a sardine powering my house... and... it... is... GLORIOUS!!!!!

Sincerely,
Michael

[Linda @ May 7th 2007 3:26PM]

Dear Michael

So your house is a shell like a snail shell.
That's about all the power you would get. How many amps does you compueor take?

[Eric @ May 6th 2007 9:25PM]

If fish sense is being used to control an unscrewed submersible, does this mean that human sense will screw the fish?