It's a bird… It’s a plane… No, it’s an underwater robot designed by NASA for space exploration

A group of tiny, cellphone-size swimming robots, aka SWIM (Sensing With Independent Microswimmers), recently demonstrated their impressive maneuverability in a swimming pool at Caltech in a test launch conducted by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kazinform News Agency cites NASA.

Designed by JPL, the tiny robots are intended to search for life in the ocean beneath the icy surface of Jupiter’s moon Europa.

The cellphone-size devices, which are propelled by propellers and can execute complex patterns, could play a crucial role in detecting signs of alien life.

The latest prototypes are made from 3D-printed plastics and inexpensive motors and electronics. Engineers are also testing these robots in computer simulations to optimize their design for future missions to Europa.

The next mission to study Europa, Europa Clipper, is set for a four-year investigation of the moon’s potential to support life.

It bears to remind that scientists in Kazakhstan also use underwater drones to explore dams, that is to make exact measurements and prevent dam breaches. Karaganda-based scientists explore dams and water reservoirs using digital laser equipment to avoid flooding and dam deterioration in the area.