As the crisis of plastic pollution deepens, scientists in the UK have unveiled a groundbreaking innovation: a robotic fish that swims through water, eating microplastics. Designed to mimic the movements and appearance of real fish, this bio-inspired robot may soon patrol polluted rivers, lakes, and oceans, helping to combat one of the most pervasive environmental threats of our time—microplastic pollution.
Developed by a team of engineers and environmental scientists at the University of Surrey, the robotic fish—nicknamed “Gillbert”—can autonomously navigate aquatic environments, detect microplastic particles, and filter them from the water through its gill-like structure. In a world where microplastics have been found in rainwater, Antarctic ice, and even human blood, this agile, AI-powered fish is a symbol of innovation driven by ecological urgency.
“We needed something that could go where boats or skimmers can’t—quietly, efficiently, and safely,” says Eleanor Mackintosh, lead designer of Gillbert and winner of the Natural Robotics Contest. “That’s when the idea of a robotic fish came alive.”
A Tiny Solution to a Huge Problem
Microplastics—particles smaller than 5mm—are the result of degraded plastic waste from bottles, bags, clothing, tires, and industrial runoff. They not only pollute oceans but also pose grave risks to marine life, ecosystems, and even human health. These particles are notoriously difficult to remove once they enter water systems.
The UK alone releases an estimated 11,000 tonnes of microplastics into its waterways each year, with most ending up in the ocean. Globally, the figure is staggering.
“Microplastics are insidious. You can’t net them, and they don’t biodegrade. We needed a new approach,” says Dr. Sam Tang, an environmental scientist at the University of Plymouth.
That new approach has come—in the form of a robotic fish no longer than your forearm, but with enormous potential.
Meet Gillbert: The Microplastic-Hunting Robo-Fish
Gillbert is no ordinary robot. It’s a soft-bodied aquatic drone, modeled after real fish to ensure minimal disruption to marine life. Its flexible tail and fins are powered by piezoelectric motors that enable smooth, fish-like motion. The real genius, however, lies in its gill structure, which acts as a fine mesh filter that traps microplastic particles suspended in the water.
Key features include:
- Autonomous Navigation: Guided by sonar and GPS for mapping polluted zones.
- Microplastic Collection System: Uses flow-through gill cavities to passively collect microplastics as it swims.
- AI Sensor Integration: Identifies particle sizes, density, and contamination hotspots.
- Biodegradable Shell: Crafted from sustainable, marine-safe polymers.
“Gillbert was designed not to harm or frighten wildlife. It’s as close to being part of the ecosystem as a robot can get,” explains Prof. Richard Hardy, head of bioengineering at the University of Surrey.
Once full, Gillbert can return to a docking station where its filters are cleaned and data is uploaded. The collected microplastics are sent for analysis, helping researchers understand pollution sources and impacts.
Real-World Testing and Global Potential
Early trials have been conducted in the River Thames, where Gillbert performed impressively, collecting microplastics in both stagnant and flowing conditions. It was able to detect and trap particles from synthetic textiles, tire wear, and packaging debris.
Plans are underway to scale up production and deploy a swarm of robotic fish in UK waterways by 2026. Each fish can work autonomously or in coordinated groups to map and clean large water bodies.
“Imagine hundreds of robotic fish working silently under the surface, cleaning while we sleep,” says Mackintosh.
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