SHANGHAI: Shanghai Ocean University unveiled an intelligent soft-bodied bionic fish in the shape of a manta ray, named Wen Yao, on Saturday after over 10 years of research and development.

According to China Daily, the bionic fish, with a wingspan measuring 1 metre and weighing 35 kilogrammes, features all domestically produced key components. It touts several advantages, including high efficiency, minimal energy consumption, versatile functionality, and exceptional mobility.

“Based on the behaviour of the real fish, we made bionic efforts in various aspects such as its form, movement, structure and materials, and achieved Wen Yao’s biological outer contour fitting and dynamic motion simulation,” said Chen Xinjun, head of the university’s School of Marine Living Resources and Management.

With advantages such as high efficiency, energy saving, low noise and concealment, the bionic fish can be widely used in ocean fishing, deep sea exploration and other fields, contributing to the development of the marine e
conomy and defending national sovereignty, according to the expert.

Chen said the bionic fish boasts big payload space. Equipped with high-precision sensors, imaging sonar scanning devices and other artificial intelligent technologies, it can help underwater monitoring and analysis in a more flexible way with lower costs.

In addition to the shape of manta rays, the research team has also developed other forms of bionic fish including dolphins and moray reels. Moreover, the university recently signed agreements with a company in Shanghai to jointly develop soft-bodied bionic fish and to expand its market applications.

According to the university, the bionic fish will be equipped with smart chips in the future and is expected to provide support in sectors such as marine science, environmental protection, and economic development.

Source: Emirates News Agency