In recent months, “robo fish” have captured headlines for their growing impact on environmental protection, scientific research, and pollution control in aquatic ecosystems. Here’s an up-to-date overview of how these robotic marvels are making waves around the globe.
Pioneering Protection with RoboFish
Earlier this year, PETA took a bold step towards marine conservation by rolling out RoboFish across the nation. These AI-powered robots patrol fishing hotspots, using sonar and image recognition to locate and cut fishing lines—a humane way to safeguard marine animals from entanglement. Each RoboFish is solar-powered and operates autonomously, offering an ethical alternative to traditional fishing deterrents. Future models may even help free lobsters and other trapped marine life.
Taddy: The Smart Robot Fish from New Zealand
April 2025 saw the debut of “Taddy,” a robotic fish developed by the Auckland Bioengineering Institute. Utilizing electroactive polymer artificial muscles, Taddy swims quietly and naturally among real fish, allowing researchers to study aquatic life with minimal disruption. By incorporating advanced sensors, Taddy can detect water currents and adapt its movements, making it a valuable tool for both observation and data collection in fragile environments.
Eve: Swimming for Science in Switzerland
A Swiss student team recently launched “Eve,” a biomimetic robot fish designed to collect environmental DNA from freshwater lakes. By resembling and moving like a real fish, Eve reduces disturbance to local wildlife while gathering essential data for biodiversity research. This approach allows scientists to monitor ecosystem health efficiently and ethically.
Battling Pollution: Robotic Fish Against Microplastics
Major breakthroughs have also emerged in the fight against water pollution. UK researchers unveiled a robotic fish that can identify and ingest microplastics from rivers and lakes. Similarly, Chinese scientists introduced their own robot fish in July 2024, designed specifically to eat microplastics and help restore aquatic health. Both innovations leverage AI and flexible design to reach contaminated areas previously inaccessible to humans.
Looking Forward: A Robotic Fish Revolution
Marine scientists are optimistic about the future of robotic fish. Their quiet, adaptive swimming could soon replace traditional remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for underwater surveys, enabling less disruptive and more comprehensive research. While some engineering hurdles remain—such as battery life and long-range communications—ongoing developments point towards broader deployment in environmental monitoring and conservation efforts.
These advancements in robotic fish show how technology is redefining our relationship with nature, offering new tools for conservation, research, and responsible stewardship of aquatic environments.
