Rani Ravinthran | Cyber, Tech and Space Fellow
Image sourced from University of Surrey via their Natural Robotics Contest.
Microplastics, or microscopic plastic particles less than 5mm in size, have become commonplace in our oceans and are attracting attention globally, notably demonstrated by United Nations negotiations for a Plastics Treaty. These subtle contaminants endanger marine ecosystems, infiltrating the food chain and possibly impacting human health. There is an urgent need for new, innovative ways to manage the estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic entering our oceans each year even as the plastic tap is turned off. Some scientists are looking towards robotic fish to play a key role in the battle against microplastics, a technology which combines biomimicry principles with cutting-edge robotics.
The robotic fish is a clever combination of cutting-edge technology and design inspired by nature. Engineers from prestigious schools such as MIT and the University of Surrey have created robotic fish specifically for ocean plastic cleanup, gaining support from environmental groups and technology firms. The idea has piqued the interest of European governments and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, with pilots underway to test the technology’s efficacy in combating plastic pollution.
These robotic fish can swim through water with minimum energy expenditure by mimicking the streamlined shape and propulsion methods of real fish. These self-driving underwater vehicles can navigate aquatic settings with incredible efficiency, which is critical for long-term deployment in vast ocean areas. More than just brilliant imitations, the robots are outfitted with modern sensors that can identify and distinguish microplastics from other particles in the water. Machine learning techniques allow them to gradually enhance identification and collection capacities. Furthermore, like natural fish schools, the robots may interact with one another and coordinate to improve coverage and efficiency. One of the most promising aspects of this technology is thus its potential to clean our oceans on a scale never seen before, providing hope in the war against marine plastic pollution.
Furthermore, the technology that powers these robotic fish has potential applications beyond waste cleanup. Similar autonomous underwater vehicles could be utilised for environmental monitoring as an additional tool with which to gather data on the condition of the water, aquatic species, and overall aquatic ecosystem health. This approach to ocean conservation is consistent with the rising realisation that conserving our marine ecosystems necessitates innovative, interdisciplinary solutions.
While robotic fish have immense potential, significant challenges remain. Plastic garbage continues to enter oceans at a massive scale, even as robotic fish begin their task. In terms of technological limitations, the longevity of these devices in severe maritime environments, need to regulate power consumption for lengthy missions, and necessity of effective means for disposing of collected microplastics require continued study and development. Furthermore, the cost of deployment and the financial sustainability of large-scale operations create economic barriers to access and scale-up. Finally, there is also a possibility that robots could be lost in ocean expanses, leading to greater pollution. Scientists and engineers are continually working to improve technology, boost efficiency, and address these challenges, all while taking into account the larger ecological and economic ramifications of their solutions.
While robotic fish technology has potential for ocean cleanup, it further raises questions about technological accessibility and global environmental justice. For example, it cannot address the larger context of plastic waste and its core causes, and may counterproductively encourage continued or increased consumption by concentrating attention and resources on addressing consequence over cause. The possible concentration of this innovation in affluent countries could also highlight and exacerbate inequality and technology access gaps between countries, with those which frequently bear the brunt of ocean pollution often lacking access to advanced technologies and cleanup procedures.
This mismatch could result in uneven progress in ocean conservation initiatives around the world and deepen environmental and social justice divides. To provide a more equal approach to addressing this global issue, technology must be shared, moved, or developed cooperatively across borders. This might be achieved through international collaboration, open-source technology sharing, or targeted funding for developing nations to implement and sustain these solutions. Ultimately, such an approach would lead to a more equitable and effective global response to ocean pollution.
While robotic fish provide an inventive approach for cleaning up existing contamination, they are not a cure-all. Addressing the underlying causes of plastic pollution through reduced use, better waste management, and the development of biodegradable alternatives is critical. Robotic fish technology may be part of a larger strategy to tackle ocean pollution, in concert with global initiatives to reduce plastic consumption and increase recycling. The creation of robotic fish for ocean cleanup is a unique convergence of environmental technology and biomimicry. By integrating nature's design with modern technology, we are making considerable progress toward healthier marine ecosystems.
While the struggle against ocean pollution continues, this creative solution highlights the power of human ingenuity in tackling environmental issues. The effectiveness of robotic fish in cleaning our oceans is dependent on simultaneous efforts to minimise plastic consumption, enhance waste management, and develop sustainable alternatives. As robotic fish technology progresses, we get closer to cleaner and healthier oceans. While obstacles persist, this innovation provides promise for the preservation of marine ecosystems for future years.
Rani Ravinthran is the Cyber, Tech and Space Fellow for Young Australians in International Affairs. She is an ambitious law and commerce student with a keen interest in the intersection of legal practice and emerging technologies. Currently in her final year of Bachelor of Commerce/ Bachelor of Laws at Macquarie University, Rani has gained valuable experience in the technology, finance and litigation fields, positioning her well for future work in cyber law and space regulations.
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