Researchers create biomimetic manta ray to help protect coral reef

A group of young scientists in China are developing an innovative solution to monitor and protect fragile coral reef ecosystems - a biomimetic robot designed to mimic a manta ray.

About 70 percent of Earth's surface is covered by oceans. Coral reefs, often called "underwater tropical rainforests," are crucial to marine ecosystems in maintaining ecological balance, but they face numerous threats.

Traditional methods of observation using propeller-driven underwater vehicles can potentially damage these delicate environments, the developer of the bionic fish robot told China Global Television Network (CGTN).

The biomimetic manta ray project represents a promising intersection of robotics, marine biology, and conservation efforts. By leveraging biomimetic technology, researchers hope to provide a less invasive method for studying and protecting coral reefs.

"Coral reefs are fragile and sensitive. The way we observe and protect coral reefs is very important. If we use a traditional propeller-driven underwater vehicle to observe them, it can significantly impact or even damage the coral reefs and the coral reef ecosystem," said Qu Yilin, a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern Polytechnical University.

The team chose to model their robot after a manta ray due to its superior maneuverability in water.

"In developing this biomimetic fish, we studied many different species. Each has its distinctive features. A manta ray can swim forwards and backwards, execute tight turns, dive, and even perform backflips. Overall, with its stability and flexibility, it was the best of all the subjects we studied," Qu said.

Analyzing the problems of biomimetic submersibles required Qu and his team to create a new theoretical framework.

Despite these challenges, Qu and his team are optimistic about their work, as they are fortunate to be living in an era with such excellent research tools, and so many new directions for the research.

Although coral reefs make up less than one percent of the ocean floor, they support about 25 percent of all marine species.

Researchers create biomimetic manta ray to help protect coral reef

A Chinese mainland spokesperson on Wednesday slammed Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te over his latest remarks on cross-Strait relations, accusing him of promoting secessionism and escalating tensions across the Taiwan Strait.

Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said in a press release that Lai's speech marking his second anniversary in office was "filled with lies and deception, hostility and confrontation."

Chen accused Lai of stubbornly adhering to a secessionist stance in pursuit of "Taiwan independence," while exaggerating the so-called threats from the mainland and intensifying confrontation across the Strait.

Lai played an old trick of advocating the secessionist agenda on one hand and, on the other, calling insincerely for dialogue and exchanges with the mainland, attempting to mislead people in Taiwan and deceive the international community, he said.

Chen said that these common tricks have been seen through by more and more Taiwanese people. Their deceptive and provocative actions will be met with firm opposition from compatriots on both sides and the international community, and are doomed to fail.

Reaffirming the mainland's position on the Taiwan question, Chen said Taiwan has never been a country, is not one now, and will never become one in the future.

He described the Taiwan question as a historical issue left over from a Chinese civil war in the 1940s.

No election result in Taiwan could alter the fact that Taiwan is part of China or sever the historical and legal bonds linking the two sides of the Strait, according to Chen.

The mainland would never allow any person or force to pursue secessionist activities under any pretext, he added.

Calling secessionists "the chief culprit" who undermines cross-Strait peace, Chen said the mainland would continue to uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, unite broadly with Taiwan compatriots, combat secessionist activities, and safeguard peace and stability across the Strait.

Central government spokesperson refutes Lai Ching-te's latest remarks, warns against secessionist moves