Robotic dolphins could be the future of ethical marine parks

Melanie Langlotz, an augmented reality gaming expert from New Zealand faced an ethical dilemma when she and business partner Li Wang were asked to design an aquarium in China with live animals. Being uncomfortable with the idea of dolphins and whales in captivity, they called upon the expertise of animatronic engineers Roger Holzberg and Walt Conti.

The San Francisco based duo used cutting edge technology to design a first of its kind robotic dolphin. The 270 kg prototype has been engineered to mimic the appearance and musculoskeletal system movement of a real bottlenose dolphin that even swims and responds to human gestures.

As part of a trial run, volunteers have been swimming with the life-like dolphin, giving an insight into how it could work in a sustainable marine park.

Holzberg has stated that the technology also has the potential to be used as a therapeutic measure for behavioural disorders, after observing an autistic child’s reaction to the dolphin.

Speaking to RNZ he stated: “It’s what she didn’t say that spoke louder than what she did say. This was a non-verbal child who was enthralled, astoundingly focused. I can only express it as sheer, open, love with the robotic creature that was in front of her,”

The team are now looking at ways to mass-produce the dolphins, as well as replicate other sea animals such as whales and sharks. With the Chinese government suspending the wildlife trade due to COVID-19, there has been a lot of interest in the ethical alternative and buyers are reportedly already queuing up.

Hyperreal animatronics such as this prototype could eventually replace captive animals at aquariums globally, transforming the once cruel marine entertainment industry into a more ethical and sustainable business.

| Article by Martha Moody- United Kingdom