Fish-shaped robot to collect microplastics from water

Abstract

Researchers at the American Chemical Society have created a light-activated robot resembling a fish that can swim around quickly, collecting microplastics from the water. With microplastics now found everywhere on the earth, the robot might be instrumental in measuring microplastic concentrations. More interestingly is the fact that the material used in the robot is self-healing if it is cut. The researchers are now pushing for the robot to be used in the management of microplastics in water sources. The researchers behind the new robot came up with a new material suitable for the ocean environment, which resembles nacre, a substance found in the clam shells. The material is highly flexible and makes the robot propel at ultra-high speeds. Studies were done to find suitable material that could make the robot flexible, but also durable.