Robotic Jellyfish: A Modern Twist For Your Fish Tank

Fish tanks are pleasant to have around, but they're a decent amount of work, and no matter how much effort you put into it, those little fish are going to go belly up at some point. Fortunately, we live in an age where there's an alternative — in this case, a robotic alternative. It's a robot jellyfish from Hexbug, and it looks surprisingly like a real jellyfish (only, you know, with mechanical parts and unnatural colors). This 'pet' runs on batteries and swims just like the real thing.

The idea of having a robotic pet is nothing new, and neither are mechanical devices somewhat shaped like animals that poorly imitate the real thing. While a robotic cat or dog able to offer the same level of affection and personality as Fido are still a long way off, such artificial intelligence isn't needed when it comes to jellyfish.

This makes a mechanical jellyfish in your fish tank a suitable alternative to the real thing (all the joy of a swimming creature without the risk of improper care). Hexbug has recently introduced a new Aquabot Jellyfish, and with it comes both swimming action and a glowing light.

The robot was recently detailed at the 2015 Toy Fair, and will be launching by winter of this year. The newest Aquabot is available in five colors (shown above), features an embedded LED light that makes it glow, and sensors that make it aware of its position (top of the tank, etc). If the Aquabot Jellyfish goes into a sleep mode, tapping the tank will wake it back up. There are 15 programmed swimming routines available.

Price isn't yet known.

SOURCE: Gizmodo, British Toy and Hobby Association