A small consumer robot designed for underwater use is proving a huge success on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. The target of $20,000 was reached within ten hours.
The total has now reached over $165,000 with more than 30 days still to go. Around 300 people have already ordered the so-called BIKI. The mini-robot, shaped like a fish, is designed to take photos and videos underwater.
According to its producer, Chinese company Robosea, it is the world's first bionic underwater drone and the only underwater robot utgered with automatic balance, obstacle avoidance and returning to base independently. BIKI also includes a 4K camera which provides a sharp image underwater.
Tail of a fish
The drone can swim underwater for 90 to 120 minutes and goes to a depth of almost 60 metres. The device has a number of essential parts, of which the fish tail is one of the most important. This is made of a tough natural rubber and high elasticity alloy that mimics the fish's tail bone. Because the drone has no rotor and propeller, it hardly makes any noise and does not scare off other fish. Unique algorithms based on fluid dynamics ensure that the BIKI keeps its balance in the water.
The stabilisation technology for the camera is based on that of a chicken's neck. This is because a chicken's neck is very stable no matter how their body moves. Using an HD motion camera and anti-shake camera platform (eccentric pan and tilt head), the stability of the BIKI has been improved. It also has two 114 lumen lights attached; these ensure clear photos and videos even in dark places (such as at depth in the ocean).
Using an infrared beam, BIKI sees objects in its surroundings so it can swim around them.
Sound waves
The BIKI drone can be controlled with a smartphone or a remote controller. Via the smartphone, you can immediately see the images the drone records, but this does not work when the drone dives very deep. For this, you then use the remote controller that you hold in the water. Communication with the remote controller works via sound waves. One BIKI will now cost you $629.
This BIKI is not the first underwater drone. An earlier variant was successfully deployed on a mission in Antartica. The PowerRay FishFinder was also launched earlier this year. This is designed to detect fish and lure them towards it. Last year, we were already introduced to the IBublle. This is also an autonomous underwater drone for taking pictures. It follows you during a diving or swimming session and can be controlled via an armband.
