MIT uses nanotechnology to build autonomous oil-absorbing robot.

Reference:

Nanowerk News. (2010, August 26). MIT uses nanotechnology to build autonomous oil-absorbing robot. MIT.Retrieved August 30, 2010, from Nanowerk: www://nanowerk.com/news/newsid=17787.php


Summary:

The article is, “MIT uses nanotechnology to build autonomous oil-absorbing robot,” about the new technology developed by MIT to help with oil spills like the one in the Gulf of Mexico. The prototype, called the sea swarm, was revealed on August 28. The robot uses a conveyer covered with nanowire mesh designed to absorb oil. The fabric can absorb up to twenty times its weight in oil while repelling water. According to the article, the fabric can then be heated to remove and burn the oil and the fabric can be reused. By using solar panels, the robot can do this while using only the power used for one household light bulb. This gives it the potential to clean for weeks. It is designed to work with other units like a swarm around the clock without human workers being involved. They estimate that a swarm of 5,000 of these robots could clean a spill the size of the one in the gulf in a month.


Reaction (Response):

For me this is a good thing. When oil spills, it can be terrible for the environment and the animals. A system like this one would be a big help to countries like mine that are at risk of oil spills. Anything that helps is very important to design and produce. The idea of it not using people is also good. People need rest and food so they can only work for a limited time. Robots do not need either so they can work without stopping for days, even months. I think something like this is just now being made because of the spill in the Gulf of Mexico making people think of answers to a problem. It would have been better to develop this before it was needed though. Still, now is better than it not being made at all. I see this technology being very important in the future; let us just pray that it is not needed.