Robotic jellyfish 3D printed to protect coral reefs

Preserving our oceans has become a real concern: more and more species are threatened by human pollution. It is urgent to propose solutions to protect this marine ecosystem. 3D printing can be one solution. We can see some progress made with few initiatives using 3D technologies to recreate coral reefs. The project developed by the University of Florida Atlantic and the United States Naval Research Bureau is working towards a similar goal. They have designed 3D printed robotic jellyfish called “Jellybots” whose objective is to monitor the reefs threatened with extinction.

The Jellybots were modelled as real jellyfish and would be able to swim in very narrow spaces without risk of collision or damage. They would be sort of guardians of the oceans. Dr. Erik Engeberg of the University of Florida Atlantic explains: “Studying and monitoring fragile environments, such as coral reefs, has always been challenging for marine researchers. Soft robots have great potential to help with this.” He goes on to say that Software robots that are inspired by fish and other marine animals are very popular on the research side. Such an example could be the 3D printed robotic animals, designed blend in and study the animal world.

The researchers explain that jellyfish are very effective swimmers, thus motivating their choice in the creation of this 3D printed robot. Engeberg states: “Their propulsive performance is due to the shape of their bodies, which can produce a combination of vortex, jet propulsion, rowing, and suction-based locomotion.” A diagram that echoes the Octobot robot inspired by octopus to better study the aquatic environment.