US to deploy robotic tuna to report fishy activities at harbours

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS), together with Boston Engineering Corporation, is developing a robotic tuna that would monitor ships anchored at American ports to prevent terrorists from sneaking in weapons hidden inside vessels.

The BIOSwimmer robot, featuring fins and a flexible tail, will be able to inspect vessels including oil tankers, besides monitoring activities along American harbours to prevent terrorists or smugglers from sending in weapons and other contraband. The tuna is one of the fastest and most manoeuvrable creatures.

David Taylor, programme manager for the BIOSwimmer at the science and technology directorate of the DHS, said the 'robo-fish' will be far superior to traditional underwater robots, which face many problems.

''It's called 'biomimetics,' Taylor told a US-based publication. ''We're using nature as a basis for design and engineering a system that works exceedingly well.'' The word biomimetics was first coined by American bio-physicist Otto Schmitt in the 1950s to describe the study of the function and structure of biological systems and applying these designs to solve complex technical problems in engineering.

In July 2009, the DHS gave a contract to Boston Engineering to develop a complete system to inspect oil tankers when they were fully loaded. The company developed the BIOSwimmer, based on its 'GhostSwimmer' technology, an end-to-end solution that includes critical components including the swimming vehicle, sensing, post-processing and control.

The company's advanced systems / robotics group has developed unmanned vehicle technologies for the US Navy, Army and DHS.