China has achieved a significant milestone in marine technology by merging space technology with the marine industry. The Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group, part of the Third Academy of China Aerospace Science and Industry Corporation Limited, has successfully developed the world's first intelligent robotic whale shark.

This nearly five-meter-long, 350-kilogram bionic creation can mimic the movements of a real whale shark with impressive accuracy, including swimming, turning, floating, diving, and even mouth movements.

Largest Bionic Fish

“This is the largest bionic fish we have studied so far. The whale shark has seven actuated joints, and each joint requires computing, communication, and sensing, which is also our key technology,” said Gao Chao, designer at Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group’s Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office. The robotic whale shark features advanced capabilities such as wireless remote control, programmed swimming, and multi-joint bionic propulsion.

These features enable it to reach speeds of up to 0.7 meters per second and dive to depths of 20 meters. Equipped with advanced optical cameras, sensors, sonar technology, and BeiDou positioning systems, this aquatic marvel can perform various tasks, including monitoring water quality, mapping underwater terrain, and executing specialized missions.

“For example, when this robot performs underwater or carries out a task, it will inevitably encounter various obstacles on its route. How to fuse information obtained by multiple sensors is actually a technical difficulty. It can be understood that the brain of a whale shark is a computer,” said Fang Xuelin, assistant director of the Underwater Propulsion Technology Research Office. “A mass of data must be screened and extracted synchronously, and then mutually corrected and verified before the truly effective data can be quickly extracted for our bionic whale shark to identify the surrounding environment.”

Distinct Advantages

Compared to conventional propeller-driven underwater robots, the bionic whale shark offers unique advantages. Its enclosed design helps prevent water pollution by limiting the release of contaminants. Additionally, its streamlined body reduces the risk of getting caught in aquatic obstacles and minimizes harm to marine life.

Following its initial success, the company has expanded its bionic product range to include Yangtze finless porpoises, killer whales, and dolphins. Integrating marine bionic technology with intelligent systems drives innovation in the underwater robotics sector.

As humanity explores deeper into the oceans, underwater robots become essential tools for exploration and development. With advancements in materials science, control systems, and artificial intelligence, bionic robots like the whale shark are set to revolutionize marine operations and scientific research.

Shenyang Aerospace Xinguang Group has developed various models of bionic products, such as bionic goldfish, bionic killer whales, and bionic porpoises. The company aims to continue promoting the integration of marine bionic technology and intelligent systems, emerging as a leading base in China for research, development, manufacturing, assembly, testing, sales, and service of underwater robots. This will accelerate the marketization and industrialization of underwater products and introduce more marine creatures to the public.