Chinese scientists at Northwestern Polytechnical University have developed a lifelike bionic jellyfish robot capable of covert underwater missions.

The 120mm, 56-gram robot mimics real jellyfish in appearance and movement using hydrogel electrodes and an electrostatic hydraulic actuator, operating silently with extremely low power.

Equipped with a miniature camera and AI processing chip, it can identify specific underwater targets and track fish populations without disturbing the environment, the South China Morning Post has reported.

The innovation, highlighted on Chinese state TV, demonstrates the university’s expertise in bioinspired robotics and offers potential for deep-sea exploration, environmental monitoring, and precise underwater inspections.