Scientists create free-diving underwater robot

Scientists have created a robot that could help to carry out research underwater.

AQUA is equipped with flippers - as opposed to propellers - and is said by the scientists behind its creation to resemble an otter in construction.

Professor Michael Jenkin of York University's faculty of science and engineering explains the rationale behind the development of the free-diving robot.

"Having a robot tethered to a vehicle above water creates a scenario where communication between the diver, robot and surface operator becomes quite complicated," he says.

Among the problems with wireless alternatives, however, is the interference that water causes with radio signals, preventing the use of many conventional modems.

Rather than a fully cordless design, the scientists hit a compromise - a waterproof tablet computer tethered to AQUA by a slim fibre optic cable.

This allows the device to be operated without the need for a full surface tether, without the user needing to descend to the full depth.

Professor Jenkin works at the York University Centre for Vision Research, which coordinates studies by psychologists, engineers and computer scientists to solve challenges relating to both human and machine vision.