Bionic jellyfish explore the ocean

This endeavour, led by the Centennial Professor of Aeronautics and Mechanical Engineering, John Dabiri, aims to enhance these simple yet remarkably adaptable creatures with advanced electronics. The project will see them deployed as data-gathering agents across the vast, uncharted expanses of our oceans.

The importance of ocean exploration

Understanding the ocean is vital for comprehending Earth's climate system, and the oceans play a crucial role in regulating the global climate; yet our knowledge of its depths remains limited.

Covering around 70% of the earth's surface, the ocean is vital for life as we know it. However, more than 80% of this huge body of water still remains unexplored.

By harnessing the capabilities of jellyfish as autonomous explorers, the researchers aim to shed light on the oceanic conditions that influence climate patterns. This includes gathering data on temperature, salinity, and oxygen levels, which are crucial for predicting future climate scenarios.

A closer look at jellyfish

Jellyfish, with their ability to thrive in diverse marine environments, from the shallows to the abyssal depths, present a compelling model for oceanic exploration. Lacking complex sensory organs and a brain, these creatures still manage to navigate the vastness of the ocean – a feat that remains challenging even for today’s human-engineered technology.

Early attempts by Dabiri's lab to replicate the efficient propulsion system of jellyfish in mechanical robots highlights the potential of utilising the real organisms themselves.

Their simple biology, combined with an ability to cover expansive areas of the ocean without the need for complex navigation systems, makes jellyfish ideal candidates for augmentation with electronic components.

Technological innovations

The biohybrid robotic jellyfish are equipped with a prosthetic device, termed a forebody, designed to streamline their movement and reduce drag. This enhancement not only improves the jellyfish's swimming efficiency but also allows them to carry sensors and electronic devices necessary for data collection.

The augmentation process involves implanting jellyfish with an electronic 'pacemaker' that controls their swimming speed, enabling them to move faster and more efficiently than in their natural state. These modified jellyfish can achieve speeds up to 4.5 times greater than their unenhanced counterparts, demonstrating the potential of biohybrid systems in environmental monitoring and exploration tasks.

An advantage of this approach is its cost-effectiveness and sustainability – unlike traditional oceanographic research methods, which often involve expensive and resource-intensive vessels, the biohybrid jellyfish offer a low-cost alternative. With an approximate cost of $20 per jellyfish, presenting a viable solution for widespread oceanic research, and has the potential to expand our understanding of marine environments.

Future directions

While current advancements have focused on enhancing the jellyfish's speed and swimming efficiency, future research aims to expand their capabilities further: this includes making the jellyfish steerable, which would allow for more targeted exploration and data collection.

As the project progresses, the insights gained from the deployment of these bionic jellyfish could prove an asset in addressing some of the most pressing environmental and climatic challenges facing our planet.

By blending the simplicity of biological organisms with the precision of modern technology, researchers are opening new frontiers in the quest to understand and protect the world's oceans.