A dolphin-inspired robot designed to remove oil slicks autonomously has been developed by researchers at RMIT University in Melbourne.
The battery-powered prototype works in groups, mimicking the behaviour of marine animals, to collect diesel and oil spills from the water’s surface without harming water quality.
The small robot is roughly the size of a training shoe and operates independently. A specialised nozzle and filter system draws in oil, separating it from water and storing it in a small onboard reservoir.
Laboratory tests showed the device can collect around two millilitres of oil per minute. After filtration, the recovered liquid was about 95% pure oil, with only 5% water.
The research team said the system could eventually be deployed in large numbers. “When a slick is reported, fleets of robots could be released to collect the oil while keeping operators away from contamination,” the researchers explained.
The design combines inspiration from dolphins and sea urchins. The robot’s body is covered in hundreds of tiny spines that trap air bubbles, allowing oil to slide over the surface rather than sticking to it.
A specially developed filter material also plays a key role. The coating repels water but attracts oil, allowing the robot to efficiently collect hydrocarbons while remaining operational.
Researchers say future full-scale models could be about the size of a dolphin and operate in coordinated “schools” to clean large spills.
Smaller versions could also patrol marinas and harbours, filtering the water surface continuously to collect spilled diesel or contaminated bilge discharge.
The RMIT team is now working to extend the filter across more of the robot’s body to improve efficiency and increase collection rates.
IBI Magazine here and Envirotec magazine here are both reporting on the design
