# Creepy Jellyfish Robots The Self-Sustaining Robo-Jelly Could Roam the Ocean for Months By Meghan Young | Published 2013-04-01 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robojelly References: [dvice](http://www.dvice.com/2013-3-30/scientists-create-robot-jellyfish-your-nightmares) & [news.sky](http://news.sky.com/story/1071441/robot-jellyfish-could-roam-oceans-for-months) As much as [robot technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-dog-concept) is becoming more advanced, it can be argued that it is becoming just as equally creepy, which the Robo-Jelly shows. Modeled after a jellyfish, the Robo-Jelly has a steel spider-like body that has been covered with a fleshy silicone skin. Since it drapes over the mechanical parts rather loosely, this 'skin' appears to be an odd fit. Nevertheless, the Robo-Jelly has a lot of potential. The Robo-Jelly is part of a multi-university five million dollar project for the US Navy led by Virginia Tech professor Shashank Priya. It is a self-sustaining design that could survive in the ocean for months on end. Thus it could be used for [military surveillance](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rbwatcher), to [clean oil spills](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar) and monitor the environment. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.2/10 - Popularity: 76% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robotic Oceanic Surveillance:** The development of self-sustaining, jellyfish-like robots for military, environmental and oil spill monitoring could lead to new opportunities for robotic oceanic surveillance. - **Silicone Skins for Robotics:** The use of fleshy silicone skins for robotics could lead to more organically inspired and adaptable robot designs. - **Multi-university Robotics Collaborations:** Collaborations between multiple universities on advanced robotics projects like the Robo-Jelly could lead to breakthroughs in robotic technology and applications. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Defense and Military:** The Robo-Jelly's potential as a robotic, self-sustaining surveillance tool could lead to new opportunities in defense and military technology. - **Environmental Science and Cleanup:** Jellyfish-like robots such as the Robo-Jelly could provide innovative solutions to environmental issues like oil spills and environmental monitoring. - **Robotics and Technology Research and Development:** Collaborative efforts between universities on innovative robotics projects could push the boundaries of robot design and technology. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Jellyfish-Inspired Interactive Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfish-robot.md) - [Autonomous Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/autonomous-underwater-robot.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Maneuverable Centipede Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/centipede-robot.md) - [Autonomous Aquafarming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivation-robot.md) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md) - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Algae-Powered Rover Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robotic-rover.md) - [Self-Dock Aquatic Robot Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roboturtle.md)