Robotic 'jellyfish spy' to patrol oceans!

Washington (PTI): Researchers, led by an Indian origin scientist, have developed a life-like, autonomous robotic jellyfish - the size and weight of a grown man - for surveillance and monitoring of oceans. The prototype robot, 5 foot 7 inches in length and weighing 170 pounds, nicknamed Cyro, is a larger model of a robotic jellyfish the same team - headed by Shashank Priya of Blacksburg and professor of mechanical engineering at Virginia Tech - unveiled last year. Priya's team is integrating fluid mechanics and developing control systems. Cyro is powered by a rechargeable nickel metal hydride battery, whereas the smaller models were tethered, Priya said. The jellyfish must operate on their own for months or longer at a time as engineers likely won't be able to capture and repair the robots, or replace power sources. Its body consists of a rigid support structure with DC motors which control the mechanical arms that are used in conjunction with an artificial mesoglea, or jelly-based pulp of the fish's body, creating hydrodynamic movement.