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Robotic scientists at Stanford University have invented OceanOne, a robotic “mermaid” that can go to ocean depths too dangerous for humans while a human being controls the robot from the safety of a boat.
The OceanOne had its first real-world test recently when it surveyed the wreckage of La Lune, a 17th century ship that sunk near the southern coast of France.
It basically looks like a robot mermaid, but instead of a tail, it uses a series of thrusters to move around the ocean.
The bot’s hands are fitted with sensors that can send feedback to the operator. It gives the human controller a better sense for when the robot is touching something firm or delicate.
The team that developed the robot says that technology allowed the OceanOne to bring back a centuries-old vase from La Lune without accidentally crushing it.
It’s meant to keep human divers out of potentially dangerous situations in something like deep-water mining or oil-rig maintenance.
There’s another robot that fills a similar role, but instead of taking a humanoid shape, it looks a lot like a snake.
At least the OceanOne is a little less creepy-looking.
Agencies/Canadajournal
