China Develops Transparent ‘Ghost’ Jellyfish Drone for Underwater Surveillance

China has unveiled a transparent, jellyfish-shaped underwater robot, known as the “Ghost Jellyfish Drone”, designed for stealth surveillance and marine observation.
Developed by researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, this bionic robot uses advanced materials and AI to blend into water, move silently, and gather data without being detected.

China Develops Transparent ‘Ghost’ Jellyfish Drone for Underwater Surveillance

Bionic Design Inspired by Nature

The robot was designed by Professor Tao Kai and his team.
It imitates the shape and movement of a real jellyfish — with a transparent dome and soft tentacles — allowing it to move naturally in the water.

• Diameter: 120 mm
• Weight: 56 grams
• Made with hydrogel electrode material for transparency underwater

Because of its clear body, it becomes almost invisible, helping it perform stealth operations for marine research and monitoring.

Advanced Movement and Energy Efficiency

The jellyfish robot moves using an electrostatic hydraulic actuator, which mimics real jellyfish muscle movement.
It requires only 28.5 milliwatts of power, making it highly energy-efficient.

• Silent operation — produces no noticeable underwater sound
• Long operation time — due to low energy use
• Suitable for environmental monitoring, ocean observation, and deep-sea reconnaissance

AI-Powered Underwater Intelligence

The Ghost Jellyfish is equipped with:

• An AI chip for underwater intelligence
• A micro camera for capturing and identifying objects

Using machine learning, it can recognise underwater elements such as:

• Different fish species
• Symbols or emblems in its path

During tests shown on CCTV, the drone could hover stably and move precisely, proving its capability for autonomous underwater research.

Exam-Oriented Facts

• The Ghost Jellyfish Drone weighs 56 grams.
• It operates at 28.5 milliwatts of power.
• Developed by Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi’an, China.
• Works through an electrostatic hydraulic actuator.
• Equipped with AI chip and micro camera for object recognition.
• Used for environmental and military underwater observation.

Strategic Importance

This project is part of China’s effort to develop bioinspired (nature-based) robotics.
The same university has also created robotic birds, geckos, locusts, and fish capable of lifelike motion.
Such innovations aim to make future robots more efficient, stealthy, and intelligent, improving China’s position in marine research, defence technology, and AI systems.

Question & Answer

Q1. What is the weight of China’s bionic jellyfish robot?
(a) 45 grams
(b) 56 grams
(c) 60 grams
(d) 70 grams
Answer: 56 grams

Q2. Which university developed the “Ghost Jellyfish Drone”?
(a) Tsinghua University
(b) Peking University
(c) Northwestern Polytechnical University
(d) Shanghai University
Answer: Northwestern Polytechnical University

Q3. How much power does the bionic jellyfish robot use?
(a) 15.5 milliwatts
(b) 22 milliwatts
(c) 28.5 milliwatts
(d) 35 milliwatts
Answer: 28.5 milliwatts

Q4. What technology enables the jellyfish robot to move like a real jellyfish?
(a) Hydraulic piston
(b) Magnetic coil system
(c) Electrostatic hydraulic actuator
(d) Mechanical propeller
Answer: Electrostatic hydraulic actuator

Q5. What is the main feature of the Ghost Jellyfish robot?
(a) Transparent body for stealth underwater operation
(b) High-speed underwater movement
(c) Solar-powered propulsion
(d) Wireless data transmission only
Answer: Transparent body for stealth underwater operation

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