The Ministry of Knowledge Economy is seeking to develop fish-shaped robots with the ability to detect hazardous water pollutants. The robotic fish will collect data on water pollution and may eventually be used to verify the safety of underwater structures such as dams and bridges. Until now, underwater robots have been used mainly for exploration and military purposes.
To achieve their goal, researchers will need to develop a hardware platform, sensors, wireless power recharging technology and autonomous swimming technology. The three-year project will involve several agencies-among them the Korea Institute of Industrial Technology, which established a laboratory for bio-inspired robots in 2008 and has already developed a robotic fish called "Icktus."
The new robotic fish will measure a little more than half a meter in length and is expected to be released in rivers in late 2011. If the trial is successful, MKE will consult with other ministries to determine whether there are additional uses for the product.
SOURCE: Ministry of Knowledge Economy
