MIT CSAIL, SoFi swimming with real fish

An example of MIT CSAIL’s SoFi - a robotic fish that can independently swim alongside real fish in the sea.

SoFi - The Soft Robotic Fish is a project run by MIT Computer Science & Artificial Intelligence Lab (CSAIL). Using an acoustically controlled soft robotic fish, the team are able to explore underwater life in new and exciting ways.

Using a miniaturized acoustic communication module, a diver can direct the fish by sending commands such as speed, turning angle, and dynamic vertical diving. Experimental results gathered from tests along coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean show that the robotic fish can successfully navigate around aquatic life at depths ranging from 0 to 18 meters. The robotic fish exhibits a lifelike undulating tail motion enabled by a soft robotic actuator design that can potentially facilitate a more natural integration into the ocean environment.

The Barbican's AI: More than Human (16 May-26 Aug 2019) is an major exhibition exploring creative and scientific developments in artificial intelligence demonstrating its potential to revolutionise our lives.

Part of Life Rewired, the Barbican's 2019 season exploring what it means to be human when technology is changing everything.