Making robots is all the rage these days. Heck, we even build robots to battle. So, why in the world would someone like to make a lobster robot? It certainly isn’t for dining. The answer may surprise you.
Well, I’m not sure this was the original intent of the lobster robot, but this robot has been targeted for mine detection of all things. The inventors took obvious cues from mother nature to create a robot with superior stability in coastal regions. Lobster have a specialized organ called a statocyst, which perceives their orientation to gravity. This allows the lobster to consistently orient itself in its turbid environment. Amazingly, the robot lobster can navigate rocks, crevices, and sandy bottom. What a delicious robot.
So we are spending a fortune to mimic what nature has already done? Its the American way.