Blind fish "teaches" people how to build automatic submarines

The navigational ability of blind fish has helped US and Singaporean scientists create a sensor that can help submarines navigate more accurately in murky water.

A blind fish moves in an underwater cave. Photo: Gizmag.

Have you ever wondered why many fish have no eyes or their eyes are nearly useless, yet they can still navigate in murky water? Scientists explain that most blind fish navigate using a row of flagella on either side of their bodies. These hair cells are capable of detecting changes in water pressure as they move or as water flows around an object.

Now, scientists from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore and Massachusetts Institute of Technology in the US have simulated the working mechanism of hair cells on fish bodies to create devices capable of self-orientation underwater, Gizmag reported.

Underwater devices typically use cameras, sonar, and acoustic underwater positioning systems for navigation. But cameras are largely ineffective in turbid water. Sonar devices can work effectively in turbid water, but they are relatively expensive and rely on batteries. In addition, the sounds emitted by sonar devices can be harmful to aquatic animals.

The team created sensors that can sense water pressure like the flagella cells of blind fish. Each sensor is 1.8 mm x 1.8 mm in size. They require very little power and are extremely low-cost to produce ($20 each). In tests, the researchers combined the sensors with computers and cameras to create three-dimensional images of underwater objects and their surroundings.

Experts believe their sensors could be used in military submarines. When aircraft and surface ships want to detect submarines, they only need to detect the "ping" sounds emitted by the submarine's sonar. If the sonar is replaced with a sensor, the "ping" sounds will disappear and the submarine will truly become "invisible".

According to VnExpress - VT