Robojelly

Researchers at Virgina Tech have created a hydrogen-powered robotic jellyfish labelled Robojelly. Robojelly could be used in underwater search and rescue operations. Robojelly is being fuelled by hydrogen, and that also means that it could never run out of energy.

Robojelly has been constructed from Carbon nanotubes and some other smarter materials which give this Robojelly an ability to change shape or size as a result of an stimulus. Thus, Robojelly is able to mimic the natural movements of a jellyfish when placed in a water tank and is powered by chemical reactions taking place on its surface.

The robot is powered by heat-producing chemical reactions between the oxygen and hydrogen in water and the platinum on its surface. The heat given off by these reactions is transferred to the artificial muscles of the robot, causing them to transform into different shapes. This green, renewable element means Robojelly can regenerate fuel from its natural surroundings and therefore doesn’t require an external power source or the constant replacement of batteries. At the moment, the hydrogen-powered Robojelly has been functioning whilst being clamped down in a water tank. The researchers admit that the robot still needs development to achieve full functionality.