Scientists Develop Tiny 6-Gram Swimming Robot Inspired by Marine Flatworms

Engineers at the École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) have created a groundbreaking 6-gram swimming robot that mimics marine flatworms, enabling it to navigate tight aquatic spaces with ease, SciTech Daily reported. This ultra-light robot utilizes silent undulating fins for propulsion, making it ideal for environmental monitoring and ecological research.

Traditional swimming robots often rely on noisy propellers that can disturb wildlife, but this new design allows for stealthy movement in sensitive areas like coral reefs and rice fields. Measuring smaller than a credit card, the robot can carry payloads heavier than itself and is capable of forward, backward, and sideways movement.

The robot operates using a compact electronic control system that delivers high voltage to its actuators while consuming minimal power. With speeds of up to 12 centimeters per second, it represents a significant advancement in bioinspired robotics. Researchers aim to enhance its autonomy and operating times for future ecological studies and pollution tracking.