Swiss Scientists Building Robotic Sea Turtle

Posted on October 4, 2012

Swiss scientists from ETH Zurich are building a robotic sea turtle called Naro-Tartaruga. A concept design of the turtle robot is pictured above. The turtle will have an aluminum body, i7 dual core processor, LiPo 48V with 32Ah batteries, gyros, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, GPS, compass and more. It will be capable of autonomous and remote control. It will travel at 2 meters/second.

ETH Zurich says one reason the sea turtle shape is a good design for an underwater robot because its big torso "provides enough space for sensors and batteries which are essential for autonomy." It is also technically simpler than building a fish robot.

IEE Spectrum reports that the researchers are planning the first underwater test for Naro-Tartaruga later this month.


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