Mini-robots could rid the ocean of microplastics.
In Switzerland, a research team is turning to similar technology to analyse water quality, though the outer shell of its mini-robots is made from protein-rich, low-fat fish food.
For movement, inspiration came from the so-called Marangoni effect: the robots move across the surface of the water by expelling gas.
It is created internally by mixing citric acid and sodium bicarbonate. On expulsion, the gas alters the surface tension of the water, propelling the robot forward.
Equipped with the right sensors, an army of such robots could record data on water temperature, pH value or pollution levels. After that, they’re fish food. Literally.
Other robots, meanwhile, are freeing oceans from harmful seaweed.
