14 DAY TRIAL // There are many people in the world who would like to see robotic versions of everything in nature, especially now extinct species. The number of scientists and engineers with the means to make that wish reality is considerably smaller, but it is still significant.
In fact, it is high enough that all efforts and resources need not be funneled into purely practical processes and concepts.
Recreational and artistic pursuits are a focus of quite a few people, and a way to unwind and let the inner muse out to play for even more. The 2015 Toy Fair has recently played the part of launching ground for an idea resulting from that.
The robotic jellyfish
This is not the first time we have seen such a thing, but it definitely is the first one when a robot was made as a replacement for tank fish.
Fish tanks are a preferred decorative piece of many people, from small, 10-15-liter models to large ones that act as replacement walls and windows.
Unfortunately, there is something that all fish tanks have in common, and we aren't talking about the algae that tends to grow over the glass and turn everything into a green, murky mess.
No, that issue can be alleviated greatly by water filters and by including some catfish in the population, since they are scavengers by nature.
The problem that still cannot be surmounted is one that is common to all living things we know of so far: death. Fish die.
The problem can be dodged, though, by populating a fish tank with robotic alternatives. One such alternative was made by Hexbug.
As detailed by the British Toy and Hobby Association, the jellyfish has 15 programmed swimming routines and runs on battery power.
While it still means you will have to perform some maintenance on them from time to time, at least you won't have to constantly buy more fish. Just replace the battery and you're good to go.
The Aquabot Jellyfish can go into sleep mode after a while, but tapping the tank will wake it up. The robot even has sensors that let it know where it is in the tank (near the top, near the bottom, etc.), thus allowing it to decide on the most appropriate swimming routine. All the while, a soft LED light shines out from the inside.
Availability
Sadly, the Hexbug Aquabot Jellyfish will only start selling this winter for a price that has not yet been revealed.