Video: Mechanical 'Mantabot' Glides Underwater like Stingray

View full size image

Scientists at the University of Virginia are building a Mantabot: an underwater vehicle that looks just like a stingray. The robotic ray will cruise deep in the ocean and rest on the sea bottom, collecting undersea data and monitoring pollution levels. The plastic body of the vehicle contains electronics and a battery, while the flexible silicone wings contain rods and cables that expand, retract and change shape. This allows the model to be near-silent underwater, and also to turn, accelerate and glide via computer commands. 

Follow Life's Little Mysteries on Twitter @llmysteries, then join us on Facebook.