Ocean exploration is a field that has always fascinated and challenged humanity, given its crucial importance for understanding the global climate. However, technical difficulties and associated costs have often limited our ability to collect data in depth. This is why the news coming from Caltech is so interesting. Researchers at California University of Technology they transformed of sea creatures in cyborgs: bionic jellyfish, ready to revolutionize the way we study the sea depths.
Science meets nature once again
For those who read this site, our passion for biomimicry is nothing new. And this bionic jellyfish project partially contemplates it. in fact, it does not limit itself to imitating nature, but hybridises with it to create a new era of oceanic exploration.
Caltech scientists combined biomedical engineering and robotics with marine biology. As? By equipping real jellyfish with a special 3D printed "hat", which allows them to swim at speeds 4,5 times faster than natural ones, while still carrying scientific instruments.
The mission of the cyborg jellyfish
Transforming jellyfish into messengers of the abyss: an innovative approach that offers significant advantages compared to traditional methods of underwater exploration.
Submarines, valuable for their ability to reach extreme ocean depths, are limited by high costs and significant risks. Bionic jellyfish, however, promise a more accessible and less dangerous method for collecting important data in the world's oceans.
The ability to explore the deep sea more efficiently and at reduced costs could open new doors to scientific research, allowing a more in-depth study of complex ocean dynamics and their impact on global climate.
Towards a future of sustainable exploration
The use of marine organisms as vehicles for scientific research marks a notable advancement towards more sustainable exploration practices. These bionic jellyfish could significantly reduce the ecological footprint of oceanographic research, integrating harmoniously into marine ecosystems without disturbing underwater life.
Next steps? Scientists hope to make cyborg jellyfish steerable, further expanding their exploration capabilities. This technological progression could one day allow us to map the ocean floor with unprecedented precision, offering new perspectives on marine conservation, biodiversity and climate change.
To find out more: Electromechanical enhancement of live jellyfish for ocean exploration – Simon R Anuszczyk and John O Dabiri – Published February 2024 on Iop Science. Here is the paper.
