# Shark-Tracking Droids The Surfing Robot Finds Great Whites off California By Francesca Castor | Published 2012-08-26 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfing-robot-sharks-app References: [bbc](http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/19287582) There is currently a [Surfing Robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/surfbuddy) off the coast of California tracking sharks. Just shy of Shark Week, this robot tracks the movements of sharks, which gives oceanographers the ability to take their research further. The robot, which is also environmentally friendly, carries all the scientific instruments necessary to track these dangerously interesting beasts. The team has also set up about five buoys with [underwater receivers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/swimming-robots-1) to help form a listening network for the robot. When a shark, or other tagged animal is within the area of the robot, their location is recorded and sent back to the scientists. What’s really great about this particular invention is that it is shared with the general public. The accompanying (free) app to this robot, [Shark Net](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shark-powerdetect), is a great way for people to see the sharks in real time. From their movements, to learning the animal’s history and viewing videos and photos, this app is an informative way for people to learn about sharks. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 15% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [AI](https://www.trendhunter.com/ai) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Shark-tracking Droids:** Robots are replacing humans in dangerous jobs like tracking sharks, which opens new possibilities in how research is conducted. - **Environmental-friendly Technology:** The use of environmentally friendly technology in studying marine life provides a new opportunity to study without disrupting ecosystems. - **Public Education:** Tools like the Shark Net app that provide real-time updates on marine life allow for greater public education and awareness of marine life. ### Who This Affects Most - **Marine Technology:** This new technology opens opportunities for innovation in the development of underwater robotic tools and equipment. - **Tourism:** The Shark Net app has the potential to attract more tourists to shark-infested areas, thereby leading to greater economic opportunities in the tourism industry. - **Environmental Science:** The use of robots can revolutionize the way scientists collect data and conduct research with minimal environmental disruption, thereby increasing opportunities for environmental science research and innovation. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Danger-Embracing Underwater Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dangerembracing-underwater-drones.md) - [Bionic Fishing-Tracking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-positioning-fish.md) - [Automated Ocean-Cleaning Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfishbot.md) - [Ocean Data Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar.md) - [Sea Urchin-Sucking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/marine-robot.md) - [Agile Underwater Exploration Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/youcan-robotics-oceaneye.md) - [Sea Mine-Destroying Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/minedestroying-underwater-robots.md) - [Self-Dock Aquatic Robot Technology](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/roboturtle.md) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md)