Microplastics are an environmental menace that have spread to even the most remote parts of the world. However, a robot fish could soon provide a solution. A research team from the American Chemical Society has created a light-activated, fish-shaped robot that can ‘swim’ around the oceans collecting microplastics.
Due to their size, microplastics are particularly tricky to track, but they have been detected in human and animal bloodstreams, threatening the health of ecosystems around the world.
As reported in Inhabit, the new robot can repeatedly absorb polystyrene microplastics and transport them to places they will do less damage. It also overcomes many of the problems that have dogged previous projects. The traditional hydrogels and elastomers used in the construction of robots can be easily damaged in aquatic environments. Inspired by a substance found in clam shells, researchers behind the new project have developed a new material suitable for the ocean.
The final product is not only much more durable, it helps the robot propel itself at much higher speeds. If the project takes off, it could have a major role to play in removing microplastics from our oceans.
