'Robotic' Jellyfish takes to the water – Firstpost

Researchers at the Virginia Tech and the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a robotic jellyfish, Robojelly, which they believe will efficiently duplicate a natural one. According to the research report, published in Smart Materials and Structures, Robojelly is completely an experimental venture, at the moment, which is fueled by chemical reactions that occur between its nickel–titanium shape memory alloy skin and the hydrogen and oxygen present in the water. Quoting from the research report published in Smart Materials and Structures, “Artificial muscles powered by a renewable energy source are desired for joint articulation in bio-inspired autonomous systems. The fuel-powered muscles presented in this work comprise nano-platinum catalyst-coated multi-wall carbon nanotube sheets, wrapped on the surface of nickel–titanium shape memory alloy.” Believably, Robojelly is the first of its kind to have been powered by external hydrogen, which makes its working all that more impressive. However, at least at the moment, Robojelly is not fully ready, for its makers while have managed to make the Robojelly’s muscle segments make flex movements, a lot still needs to be done as far as developing it enough to specifically control each muscle segment, allowing Robojelly to have better control over directions, is concerned To view the Robojelly in action, click here.