AI Robotic Dolphins for Non-Intrusive Underwater Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies for marine research, underwater inspection, and treasure hunting face challenges such as environmental disturbance, limited data collection capabilities, and the need for non-intrusive methods in harsh underwater conditions, especially in deep-sea environments.
Innovation Solution
Development of fish-like robots, specifically robotic sharks and dolphins, equipped with embodied artificial intelligence, sensors, and advanced propulsion systems, enabling autonomous operation and data collection in marine environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional marine research methods are used, then data collection can be performed, but marine habitats are disturbed and the methods are intrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates robotic replicas of marine animals (sharks, dolphins, fish) that copy the appearance, movement patterns, and behavioral characteristics of real marine creatures. These robotic copies can collect scientific data while blending into the natural environment, eliminating the intrusive effects of traditional research equipment and methods.
2Loss of information
If human researchers directly observe marine life, then comprehensive data can be collected, but the presence of humans disturbs the natural behavior of marine organisms
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic marine animals serve as artificial observers that replicate the sensory capabilities and movement patterns of real marine animals. They can collect comprehensive behavioral data without the presence of human researchers, thus eliminating the harmful effect of human observation on natural marine behavior.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces human observers with robotic systems equipped with sensors, cameras, and data collection equipment. This substitution eliminates the need for human presence in the marine environment while maintaining or enhancing data collection capabilities through automated sensing and recording systems.
3Productivity
If conventional underwater vehicles are used for inspection, then tasks can be performed, but they create significant environmental disturbance and are highly visible
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic marine animals copy the natural appearance and swimming behavior of real marine creatures, allowing them to perform inspection and research tasks while remaining inconspicuous. This eliminates the environmental disturbance and visibility problems associated with conventional underwater vehicles.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If robotic systems are designed to mimic marine animals, then environmental disturbance is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The robotic marine animals are designed with modular segmental structures that replicate the natural segmentation of fish and marine animal bodies. This segmentation allows for independent control of different body sections, enabling realistic undulating movements while simplifying the overall control architecture through distributed actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The robots employ dynamic control systems that adjust their movement patterns, swimming speeds, and behavioral responses in real-time to match natural marine animal behavior. This dynamic adaptation allows the systems to maintain ecological realism while managing complexity through adaptive control algorithms.
Data Source
AI summary
A robotic dolphin and shark empowered by generative artificial intelligence (Gen-AI) are disclosed, capable of autonomously performing essential tasks such as marine research, environmental monitoring, and underwater inspections. The robotic dolphin's lifelike design includes a head with snout, eyes, mouth, blowhole, body, pectoral fins, dorsal fin, and tail fin, all meticulously crafted to mimic the appearance and behavior of a real dolphin. A trained AI model functions as the brain, processing environmental data captured by video cameras, audio microphones, and sensors to provide guidance commands to a control system that controls the movements of the robotic dolphin. A well-trained live dolphin can serve as a teacher for one or multiple robotic dolphins using a generative AI-based real-time training method, enabling efficient and effective training of robotic dolphins.