The presence of microplastics in bodies of water is an alarming issue.
The only other requirement was that the robots needed to do something to help the planet.
The winning entry would then be brought to life by the university.
The fish is about the size of a salmon and has a set of mesh-lined gills that filters water.
A container holds the microplastics inside while it swims about.
Once Gillbert is removed, the microplastics can be recycled.
In the meantime, theyll be using Gillbert together with other robots to clean the water of nearby lakes.
Student Eleanor Mackintosh won for her 3D-printed Robo-fish that filters microplastics.
The prototype works and will be used to clean local lakes.
Check out some of the other stand-out designs from the 2022 Natural Robotics Contest.
