Most of us have seen the newest robotic fish and some of these organic fish replicas are very proficient in the water. In fact they can almost wiggle-swim as fast as normal fish. The have cool names like RoboTuna and such, but they are assisting scientists in studying fish schools, habits, migration and fish behavior; sounds fishy? Indeed, but imagine what we will learn from these newest robotic fish replicas.

The Military is interested too, as they can be used to inspect ship hulls, hunt for sea mines and make great surveillance autonomous underwater vehicles or AUVs. They blend right in, as they look just like a fish. Spying on the enemy or locating sea mines so our blue Forces will not hit them. Saving lives of Navy Seals teams, sailors and marines landing in the region.

The Department of Homeland Security can use them to check out merchant ships from foreign shores, inspect Oil Tanker hulls for leaks, even make sure cruise ships are safe from harm. No enemy will be able to enter the harbors or ports of our nation, sneaking in from underwater.

But I propose another commercial use for them; saving lives. Lets split the rear tail fin and put an extendable rope or cable of very strong material with a handle on it. If someone is drowning or gets carried away from a riptide at the beach the lifeguard would send out RoboFish to the rescue and then tow the drowning victim to safety. Think on it, it could work?

Lance Winslow

Currently Lance is retired at age 40 and is running an Online Think Tank Forum while traveling North America. Perhaps considering something extremely challenging to do that will exercise his mind and utilize all his experiences, observations and skills. Any ideas?