China aquarium welcomes “robot dolphin”! $26 million each

This may be the smartest creature in the world, known for its human friendliness, has appeared in many movies and books, and is said to cure autism. < p > < p > the girl who swam with the dolphins didn’t notice that either. “When I first saw this dolphin, I thought it was real,” she said in surprise She added, “I swam with the dolphin and imitated the rhythm of its body, just as we can see from the dolphin. I think it helps to learn more about dolphins and their lifestyles. ” However, in recent years, people have increasingly realized that it is very cruel to keep dolphins, walruses and other marine creatures that should have lived freely in the sea, especially to let them perform those stereotyped performances in front of groups of audiences. < / P > < p > at the end of last year, the World Animal Protection Association released the report “behind the smile: Research on the global dolphin entertainment industry”. According to the report, 3603 cetaceans have been kept in 355 venues in 58 countries and regions, of which dolphins account for more than 80%. Moreover, 93% of the world’s dolphin halls have launched dolphin performances. < / P > < p > then if there is such a dolphin, its appearance and posture are no different from that of a real dolphin. It can swim freely, spray water freely, and even have close contact with you. The only difference is that it is a robotic dolphin without vital signs. Would you like to accept it? < / P > < p > if these robotic dolphins show up in the aquarium, you won’t even realize they’re fake. In this way, are the captive dolphins in the aquarium expected to return to the sea! < / P > < p > Yes, edge innovation, a New Zealand company, has actually made robotic dolphins, which are likely to enter the Chinese aquarium. They also hope to sell 150 dolphin robots over the next three years. After 20 years of innovation and development, robot technology can finally make realistic simulation animals. Walt conti, a special effects technician from edge innovations, worked with Roger holzberg, former Vice President / creative director of Walt Disney imaging, to design and build the new robotic dolphin. < / P > < p > as mentioned above, its appearance and body are made according to the 1:1 ratio of adolescent dolphins. Even the touch is the same as that of real dolphins, and it can swim in the water. Look, here’s a little cute swimming to you ~ < / P > < p > in fact, this little cute is very heavy. This dolphin robot weighs 595 pounds, about 270 kilograms! They are heavier than adult dolphins. Generally, dolphins with a body length of 1.2-4.2 meters weigh about 23-225 kg. < / P > < p > generally speaking, the battery life of this robot dolphin is about 10 hours, but according to its activity level, the battery life may vary slightly. It is understood that it can also survive in salt water for about 10 years, when new and improved models may be developed to replace it. However, such a real robot dolphin also has some disadvantages, that is, there is no camera or sensor. In essence, it is like a “remote control toy”, and its every move needs to be controlled by the operator. However, this advantage is that the dolphin can interact with people skillfully, and there is no need to worry that it will lose control. < / P > < p > in this way, raising a robotic dolphin in the aquarium in the future will not only satisfy children’s curiosity, but also enable real dolphins to return to the sea. “For those who care about marine animal protection, it’s a dream that can come true.” ——Roger holzberg < / P > < p > according to Roger holzberg, former vice president of Walt Disney fantasy project, “the revenue of the ocean park industry has been declining for more than a decade, due to ethical considerations and the cost of living animals, but the public’s understanding and experience of these animals is still as strong as ever.” < / P > < p > so holzberg thinks it’s time to restructure the industry. Replacing real animals with robotic dolphins can be more humane and more profitable. < / P > < p > according to the guardian, they cost about $26 million each, while real dolphins cost about $27.39 million each, but robotic dolphins have a longer life span and do not require expensive maintenance or careful water temperature calibration. < / P > < p > moreover, this robotic dolphin can hardly get through because it’s not as noisy as Boston powered robotic dogs, which are almost imperceptible to the audience. Li Wang, a business developer at edge innovation, a New Zealand innovation company, said at least 30 aquariums had been built in China before the outbreak stopped, and a large Chinese company had promised to replace real dolphins with robots. < p > < p > according to the guardian, Mike Wang, vice president of Red Star Macalline group, said the company has sponsored the first phase of robotic dolphin development and is considering establishing a “laboratory” for its expansion in China. He said in a statement that he would “use robotic dolphins and other simulated animals in our new aquarium project” and was keen to distribute them nationwide. < / P > < p > in addition, animal rights advocates agree with robotic dolphins. ELISA Allen, head of the people for the ethical treatment of animals, said in a statement that she hoped robotic dolphins would “replace real dolphins in marine parks around the world.”.