Manta ray robot offers alternative to existing autonomous underwater vehicles

Researchers from the National University of Singapore have created an electric underwater robot that emulates the form and movement of a manta ray, blending into its aquatic surroundings. The MantaDroid could be utilised for future underwater surveillance and marine biodiversity studies, proposing an alternative to the conventional autonomous underwater vehicles currently used. Measuring 35 centimetres in length, 63 centimetres in width and weighing only 0.7 kilograms, the aquatic robot is able to swim at a speed of 0.7 metres-per-second – twice its body length – for up to 10 hours. Read more on Dezeen: WATCH NEXT: “Iron Man“ flying jet suit sets Guinness World Record - Subscribe to our YouTube channel for the latest architecture and design movies: Like Dezeen on Facebook: Follow Dezeen on Twitter: