The world of aquariums has just gotten a futuristic twist with the introduction of robotic submarine fish. These innovative creations offer a unique blend of entertainment and low-maintenance pet ownership, challenging our traditional notions of aquatic companions.
The Allure of Aquatic Relaxation
There's something inherently soothing about observing fish gracefully swim in an aquarium. However, the reality of aquarium ownership is often far from tranquil. Regular cleaning and consistent feeding are necessary chores that can quickly become burdensome.
Enter the Robotic Fish Revolution
Filip and Peter from CPSdrone sought to enjoy the benefits of an aquarium without the associated upkeep. Their ingenious solution? Replace live fish with microsubmarines designed to mimic the graceful movements of fish. While it may not replicate the exact experience of a natural aquarium, it certainly offers a captivating alternative with minimal effort.
Engineering Challenges
Creating these robotic fish was no small feat. The team had to meticulously fit all the necessary components within a tiny, waterproof hull, ensuring it was light enough to float yet heavy enough for stability. An Arduino Pro Mini acts as the brain, receiving commands via a specialized wireless link. Four ultra-micro brushed motors provide propulsion and steering, with careful attention to waterproofing to prevent leaks.
Waterproofing Woes
Waterproofing proved to be a significant challenge. Despite using a Formlabs Form 4 SLA resin printer to create smooth, detailed shells, pressure testing revealed leaks around motor cable openings. Out of five manufactured fish, two failed due to water infiltration. Even tiny amounts of epoxy caused issues with motor speeds.
Charging Innovations
To avoid frequent openings of the waterproof hull for battery charging, Filip and Peter designed an underwater docking station. This innovative solution uses inductive charging coils, similar to wireless smartphone chargers, to replenish the submarines' batteries without exposing electrical contacts to corrosion.
Intelligence Beyond the Aquarium
Although the fish appear autonomous, much of the intelligence lies outside the aquarium. A Raspberry Pi connected to an overhead camera tracks the submarines' positions and orientations, guiding them towards waypoints with a PID-based control system. This setup allows the fish to cruise, dock for charging, and even play autonomous tag games.
The Future of Robotic Aquariums
While perfectly synchronized swarm behaviors are still being refined, the current capabilities of these robotic fish are impressive. They offer a glimpse into a future where aquariums can be enjoyed without the typical maintenance headaches. For those seeking a unique and low-maintenance pet experience, these robotic fish are an intriguing catch.
Personally, I find the intersection of technology and pet ownership particularly fascinating. It raises questions about the future of companion animals and the role technology will play in shaping our relationships with them. From my perspective, innovations like these robotic fish showcase the potential for a more sustainable and enjoyable approach to pet ownership.
