Underwater robots detect smuggled goods on ships

American scientists have just invented a robot specifically designed to detect smuggled goods, including weapons and drugs, hidden on ships.

Oval-shaped contraband-detecting robot. Photo: Techtimes.

Developed by researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), the new oval-shaped robot, although quite small in size, plays an important role in preventing illegal smuggling activities.

According to Live Science, one side of the robot is designed to be flat, allowing it to slide along the hull to perform an ultrasound scan of the hull. This ability not only helps the robot check what is inside the ship but also detect fake hulls or propeller shafts, where smugglers often hide their goods.

The robot's most outstanding feature is its specially designed propulsion system, suitable for missions that require stealth, such as underwater patrols.

Sampriti Bhattacharyya, an MIT graduate student who designed the robot, said she used 3D printing technology to create the patrol robot, and each product costs only $600, which is much cheaper than the traditional robotic control system currently in place at ports.

One half of the robot, containing the ultrasonic control panel as well as other electronic components, is designed to be waterproof, while the other half contains a propulsion system consisting of six pumps to push water out through rubber pipes.

Researchers say the robot uses a lithium-ion battery to operate continuously for 40 minutes, however, the next version will have an operating time of 100 minutes per battery charge.

According to VnExpress