Robotic Fish

[Robojelly]

Hey guys, I am an engineer from Virginia Tech currently developing robotic fish technology. Our robots are designed to look and act like natural fish and we are now trying to make the technology available to the general public.

I am trying to see if aquarium owners would have any use for this technology and was hoping to get your feedback. Following are a few questions:

1 - Would you be interested in a robot capable of assisting with maintenance and/or feeding?
2 - Would you like a way to interact with your fish?
3 - Do you ever worry about your fish getting bored?

Comments and suggestions are welcome.

Thank you,

Alex

 

[eyesinthedrk]

Honestly, no to All three for me. The hands on feeding and maintanance is what makes it a hobby and gives me my chance to interact with my tank.

 

[Steve175]

Yeh. Gonna have to go with not so much x3.

 

[vanbro1]

I think it would be fun. Kids could play with the fish and get them into the hobby. It would be used much more as a toy than an actual tool - my two cents

 

[Graham670]

Terrible idea. Not to be rude. But pointless and would probably cost wayyyy more $$ than it could ever be worth.

 

[durp]

i like this. if you cold make it small enough, it wold be great for exploreing the netherworld of your tank.

 

[mph1]

Are you talking about a remote control fish? That might be cool....if you could could do that with 4 or 5 channel control I might buy that. Can you get enough RF penetration in saltwater?

 

[moshi1ry]

I think most serious aquarist on this forum would say no to the idea. Afterall we are trying to recreate the beauty of reefs in the wild. Ill say this would you like a robotic dog? Now a remote control fish that would be interesting with a camera to explore haha. Guess it depends on how you are trying to sell this product.

 

[Steve175]

One idea that might be cool: if it could be rigged with a camera for underwater shots, I would PayPal for one now.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Robojelly]

Thanks guys, that is great feedback and exactly what I was looking for.

 

[Robojelly]

The camera idea is definitely a possibility. The main issue is the overall size of the robot once a camera is integrated. What is the largest size robot which would still be practical for exploring your tank? 5"?

 

[A_CoupleClowns]

Robot fish with a camera would be something. That would be a cool way to see the unknown in the tank.

Maybe a small led light on it too for the caves/dark areas?

 

[SushiGirl]

Considering it would probably scare the fish, no. To play with in something other than an aquarium it could be fun as a toy.