Chinese scientists have unveiled a lifelike jellyfish robot designed for secret underwater missions. Dubbed an “underwater phantom”, this bionic jellyfish was created by Tao Kai at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, Shaanxi province. Its goal: to monitor aquatic environments without being noticed. Almost indistinguishable from real Jellyfish Thanks to its transparent body, umbrella-shaped bell, and delicate tentacles, the robot looks strikingly like a real jellyfish. Made from a special hydrogel electrode material, it measures just 120mm (4.7 inches) across and weighs only 56 grams (two ounces). Silent, smart, and energy-efficient Operating at a tiny 28.5 milliwatts, the robot moves almost silently, causing minimal disruption to marine life. It uses an electrostatic hydraulic actuator, mimicking the way jellyfish muscles contract and relax, allowing it to swim naturally through water. Eyes and brain of a robot Equipped with a mini camera and an AI chip, the robot can recognize specific underwater objects through machine learning. In tests, it successfully identified targets like clownfish and the school emblem, showing it can perceive its surroundings and make decisions independently. Real-life demonstrations The robot was recently featured on a science show by state broadcaster CCTV, alongside other bioinspired machines such as robotic birds, locusts, geckos, and fish. Demonstrations highlighted its ability to hover steadily in moving water and carry out precise observations without disturbing the environment. Why it matters The bionic jellyfish could help scientists study fragile ecosystems, track underwater fish populations, and inspect structures covertly and efficiently. Its stealth, low energy use, and environmental friendliness make it an innovative tool for deep-sea exploration.
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