Raphael Zufferey and his colleagues have designed and created an untethered robot that draws inspiration from the locomotion of manta rays and flying fishes.
Manta rays and flying fishes are known to be two of the few creatures that can leap from water to water in a distance.
The new type of robot could be used in areas where quick movement is needed, such as disaster relief zones, reservoir management, and agriculture.
Aerial-aquatic is a relatively new division of the robotics industry and this invention is considered to be one of the pioneers. Because of this, further adjustments are still to be expected to be made. As of now the robot can only operate over small waves, though big ones are still a stumbling block.
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