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UK Scientists Develop Plastic-Eating Robotic Fish to Help Clean the Oceans
In a breakthrough that could transform efforts to tackle plastic pollution in waterways, researchers in the United Kingdom have developed an innovative robotic fish that actively “eats” microplastics as it swims — offering a potentially scalable solution to one of the world’s most pressing environmental problems.
A Bio-Inspired Solution to Plastic Pollution
The brainchild of engineers and scientists at the University of Surrey, the robotic fish — nicknamed Gillbert — is designed to mimic the movement and function of real aquatic animals while performing a vital task: filtering microplastic particles from water.
Gillbert’s design was originally conceived by chemistry undergraduate Eleanor Mackintosh as part of the Natural Robotics Contest, a competition inviting ideas for robots inspired by nature to help solve global challenges. Her concept won the contest and was subsequently developed into a working prototype.
How the Robo-Fish Works
Unlike traditional cleanup methods that rely on nets or large vessels, the robotic fish is equipped with a biomimetic design that lets it swim through waterways with minimal disruption to ecosystems. As it glides, water flows into its mouth and passes through a system of fine mesh gills that trap microplastic particles as small as 2 mm — particles that are notoriously difficult to capture using conventional technology.
In some advanced versions under development, the fish can even convert ingested plastic into low-voltage energy, powering its own movement and onboard sensors. This self-sustaining feature could make future fleets of robo-fish highly efficient and cost-effective cleanup tools.
Why This Matters
Marine plastic pollution is one of the greatest environmental threats of the 21st century. Millions of tons of plastic enter the world’s oceans every year, breaking down into microplastics that infiltrate food chains, harm wildlife, and pose long-term risks to human health.
Microplastics have even been found in drinking water and the environment at large, underscoring the scale of the crisis. Traditional cleanup efforts — such as beach cleanups and floating booms — are essential but can only tackle larger debris. The smaller particles, which are harder to see and collect, require more innovative approaches.
From Prototype to Real-World Use
At present, Gillbert remains a prototype undergoing refinement and testing. Researchers are exploring ways to enhance its autonomy, improve its efficiency at filtering ever-smaller plastics, and enable multiple robo-fish to work collaboratively using artificial intelligence (AI).
Experts say this technology — if deployed widely — could complement existing marine cleanup strategies, particularly in polluted harbours, rivers and coastal waters where microplastic concentrations are highest.
A Hopeful Step Forward
While Gillbert and similar technologies are not a complete solution to plastic pollution on their own, they represent an exciting intersection of biomimicry, robotics and environmental science. By harvesting the very particles that threaten aquatic life for energy and cleanup, these robotic fish could herald a new era in sustainable ocean conservation.
With plastic production only continuing to rise globally, innovations like the UK’s robotic fish offer both practical tools and symbolic hope — showing that human ingenuity, paired with nature-inspired design, can help address even the most entrenched environmental challenges.
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