Featured Image Credit: Robots in Service of the Environment
By Kira Krall
Robots in Service of the Environment (RSE) has created one solution for the lionfish problem: a big remote controlled vacuum! The Guardian LF1 sailed for the first time in wild waters recently as part of the America’s Cup sailing race in Bermuda.
Here in the Atlantic Ocean basin, lionfish have spread like wildfire. They’re most dangerous because of what they eat: everything. They can expand their stomachs to 30 times their original size (Ocean Support Foundation). A couple hundred fish eating vast quantities of other fish is no big deal, but unfortunately lionfish number in the millions. Their venomous spines make human hunting of lionfish a dangerous business.
That’s where the Guardian LF1 comes in. It boldly goes where no native fish have gone before in pursuit of its prey. Using a Playstation controller and a camera, pilots maneuver this high-powered underwater vacuum in search of lionfish. The Guardian can suck up 10 lionfish at a time before resurfacing. Watch a video of The Guardian in action from PBS below:
Most other fish in the ocean would be spooked by such a strange object looming toward them, but the lionfish aren’t deterred. Their bravado is their downfall: The Guardian LF1 moves right up to them and hauls them to the surface. In the event of a plucky fish, the drone is equipped with electrodes that can stun and immobilize the alien invader.
The Guardian is a delicate balance of forces. The high-powered suction it creates actually propels the device forward, which presents the risk of damaging coral reefs. Software engineers at RSE designed a program that automatically engages more thrusters to counterbalance the suction. This entire process is invisible to the naked eye. The best part about this high-tech lionfish slayer? The Guardian is powered by a simple 12-volt battery.
RSE is now working on a commercial model that could potentially hold 40-50 fish. Read more here.