A group of researchers from Sichuan University in China has developed a robotic fish that can eliminate microplastic particles present in water, and it will be of great help in removing this type of pollution present in the oceans.
development is no small matter if one takes into account that it is estimated that a The adult person eats about with his meal 5 grams of plastic per week, which is roughly the size of a credit card. It follows from a study conducted in 2019 by Dalberg at the request of world conservation organization, It has an explanation: The presence of microplastics in all ecosystems on the planet.
loss microplastics what small particles that break apart from larger plastic objects, such as bottles or synthetic fabrics, These particles, which are a threat to the environment and animal and human health, come from the decomposition of manufactured plastic products and industrial waste. and it extends to our food and drink which is eaten, This caused particles to be found in human blood and even in the lungs.
In the midst of this complex panorama, researchers at Sichuan University in China developed a robotic fish capable of remove microplastic particles in water, He even said that the same technology launched on a large scale can help in cleaning pollution in the world’s oceans,
How Robot Fish Works
The robots are only 1.3 centimeters in size, are aquatic, and were designed to attack microplastic particles. Therefore, this small robot fish is ideal for eliminating this type of pollution, Because it absorbs all the contaminants found in its path.
Scientists now hope that the robotic fish will collect microplastics not only beyond the surface of the water, but also at deeper levels, and provide information that analyzes marine pollution in real time.
Too, With some adaptations it can also be used in biomedical, delicate or hazardous operations.
By turning the laser of near-infrared light on and off, the robot fish is controlled by the light. The tail of the fish moves from side to side and receives the necessary propulsion to swim.
It is capable of moving up to 2.76 times its size per second, which is faster than most similar soft prosthetic robots.
In addition, it is biodegradable y biocompatibleThat is to say, if it is eaten by other fish, it can be digested without harm, as it is made of polyurethane.
