# Underwater Survey Robots The Fish-Like Tai-Robot-Kun By Noora Abu Eitah | Published 2008-07-27 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-survey-robot-tai-robot-kun References: [pinktentacle](http://www.pinktentacle.com/2008/07/robot-sea-bream/) “Tai-robot-kun,” is an [underwater survey robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cstar) that looks like a giant fish. The robot was developed by the [University of Kitakyushu](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/watermapping-autonomous-boats). The giant fish weighs 7 kgs, and is made from a silicone body, covered in realistically hand-painted scales. It also features a [unique propulsion system](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kikfin) that allows its tail to generate realistic swimming movements. I am glad that this fish robot actually serves a purpose that will benefit us all, rather than it being designed to solely showcase human absurd capabilities. I just hope this technology doesn't get to the wrong hands. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.3/10 - Popularity: 18% | Activity: 73% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Underwater Survey Robotics:** The development of fish-like robots for underwater survey presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in ocean exploration and maintenance. - **Realistic Fish Robotics:** The creation of realistic fish robots using silicone bodies and hand-painted scales offers potential for disrupting the fishing industry and marine wildlife observation. - **Propulsion System Innovation:** The propulsion system of the Tai-robot-kun robot fish could spark a wave of disruptive innovation in underwater vehicle engineering. ### Who This Affects Most - **Oceanography:** The development of underwater survey robots could revolutionize oceanographic research and exploration. - **Fishing:** The creation of realistic fish robots could disrupt the fishing industry by providing alternative methods for seafood production and fishing research. - **Marine Conservation:** The use of underwater survey robots offers potential for disrupting marine conservation by enabling better monitoring and conservation efforts. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Bionic Fishing-Tracking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bionic-positioning-fish.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) - [Oyster-Harvesting Water Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/water-robot.md) - [Self-Operating Underwater Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/underwater-inspection-underwater-robot-underwater-visual-inspection.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) - [Underwater Productivity Drones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/fifish-v6-expert.md) - [Jellyfish-Inspired Interactive Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jellyfish-robot.md)