With the environment constantly changing due to human abuse of the planet, scientists must continually come up with more effective methods of understanding or predicting an ecosystem’s response to global change.  Aquatic ecosystems are of particular concern.  As a result of contaminants and toxins already disturbing our water, proper functionality of ecosystems and human welfare are dangerously at risk.  Specifically, the abundance of harmful algal blooms (HABs) is a critical issue.  In freshwater, HABs are caused by cyanobacteria producing potent toxins.
Our group was challenged by the Biogeochemistry Environmental Research Initiative (BERI) and the Smart Microsystems Laboratory (SML) to improve upon the pre-existing third generation robotic fish.  The updated Generation Four fish is equipped with an HAB sensor as well as directional controls and sensors for collision avoidance. The updated device is capable of detecting specific concentrations of harmful algae blooms in diverse aquatic ecosystems and transmitting wirelessly the location and concentration of these algal blooms. With the help of BERI, the product will exist as a prototype for developing a group of sensor carrying robotic fish that will monitor lakes and possibly help prevent deteriorating water quality.