Biomimicry, the emulation of nature’s blueprints and processes to come up with solutions to human problems, has long been inspiring inventions. In the fields of robotics and unmanned systems, this is one popular approach and an influential discipline in recent designs. One such innovation is the GhostSwimmer, a small, unmanned robot which swims through the water, resembling an albacore tuna but looks like a shark from a distance. It is around 1.5 meters long (about 5 feet), weighs almost 45 kg (100 lb), and can operate in depths ranging from 0.25 to 91 m or 10 inches to 300 feet.
This robotic vehicle was developed by Boston Engineering as part of the Chief of Naval Operations Rapid Innovation Cell’s (CRIC) project called Silent NEMO. This project is aimed at creating nature-inspired unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). GhostSwimmer can be operated in two ways – remotely by a human controller through a 152-m (500-foot) tether connected to a laptop wherein it can relay video and other data in real time, or autonomously, meaning it can swim independently, using onboard sensors and a long-lasting battery. When in autonomous mode, that data is recorded and transmitted or collected directly when the UUV periodically returns to the surface. This smart robot has a potential maximum speed of 15 knots. At a speed of three knots, its endurance is about 66 hours with an operational range of over 300 miles.
Like a real fish complete with dorsal and pectoral fins, it uses its tail for propulsion and control, is highly maneuverable, and reportedly quieter than a propeller-driven craft of the same size. Its stealthy nature is indispensable for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) missions in highly hostile areas or locations where threats might be evolving. Or under regular circumstances, it can inspect the hulls of friendly ships, gather data on tides, varied currents, wakes and weather conditions, or do waterborne mine countermeasures.
