Meet the robot submarine that acts as a lionfish predator

This submersible robot, called Guardian LF1, hunts, stuns, and captures lionfish, invasive predators that are threatening native fish and crustaceans in the Atlantic Ocean.

Predator: The Guardian LF1 features eight thrusters, an onboard computer,  a camera, and a power source, along with a set of low-voltage “stunning panels” and a chamber for storing captured fish. It is controlled from the surface using a tether but includes an autopilot and a computer vision system capable of distinguishing lionfish from other species.

Prey: Lionfish (more properly known as “pterois”) are native to the Indo-Pacific Ocean,  were introduced to the waters off the US several decades ago, and have since spread through the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Without a natural predator, they’ve thrived, wreaking havoc in native ecosystems.