A shadow is moving under the sea as China’s bionic jellyfish initiates a new era in underwater espionage.

China has revealed a groundbreaking invention from the laboratory of Tao Kai in Xi’an: a bionic jellyfish designed for covert surveillance missions beneath the sea. This transparent creature, measuring only 12 centimeters in diameter and weighing 56 grams, is equipped with an electroactive hydrogel that renders it invisible to sonar detection. Mimicking the morphology and movement of a real jellyfish with remarkable precision, it utilizes an electrostatic hydraulic actuator to move without vibrations or bubbles at an almost imperceptible speed.

The bionic jellyfish’s energy-efficient design, requiring minimal energy consumption of about 28.5 milliwatts, enables it to remain active for extended periods without recharging. Equipped with a miniature camera and an artificial intelligence chip, it has the ability to process information in real-time, identify targets, recognize underwater structures, and navigate autonomously in complex environments through machine learning. Its silent, heatless, and reflection-free movement provides a significant advantage in conducting surveillance activities without detection.

Aside from espionage applications, the bionic jellyfish symbolizes China’s advancement in developing nature-inspired machines. With mechanical lobsters, climbing geckos, and robot fish also emerging from Tao Kai’s laboratories, the integration of organic movement and technology is a key focus. However, the proliferation of such lifelike machines raises questions about the future of underwater environments filled with stealthy and seemingly alive entities. As the bionic jellyfish silently glides beneath the waves, observing without beating or breathing, it signifies a new era in underwater espionage and technological innovation.