In recent years, China has made significant strides in marine research and conservation efforts with the development of soft-hulled underwater vehicles that resemble manta rays. A team from the School of Navigation of Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an has been working on this project since 2006, studying marine organisms to create prototypes. These submersibles are utilized to monitor and research coral reefs, including species like thorn starfish, in the South China Sea.
To address concerns about potential threats to the submersibles, such as being eaten by sharks or damaged by whales, the team has implemented measures to prevent such incidents. They are committed to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these innovative underwater vehicles.
The development of these soft-hulled underwater vehicles represents a significant advancement in marine research and conservation efforts. By mimicking the appearance and movements of manta rays, these vehicles are able to navigate through coral reefs with precision and collect valuable data. It is a promising development in the field of marine science and technology. The team has also created small submersibles for educational purposes and larger models that are capable of diving to greater depths and collecting more data. Overall, this project is a significant milestone in marine conservation efforts and it is expected to have a positive impact on future research endeavors.
