Only The US Could Make A Boring Underwater Robot

What underwater animal do you most associate with protection?

When I was a kid, Flipper was a big deal.
After all, dolphins are smart and cool to watch.
And don't forget the movie Day of the Dolphin.
A dolphin would be a cool model for an underwater robot.

But the people who protect the US from terrorism didn't think so and therefore, Homeland Security Funds Development of Robotic Tuna to Help Protect America:

Homeland Security has funded the construction of a robotic tuna to help protect our nation. The DHS Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) is funding the development of the unmanned underwater vehicle (UUV) designed to resemble a tuna. It called the BIOSwimmer. Inspired by the tuna, the BIOSwimmer is designed for high maneuverability in harsh environments.

The BIOSwimmer is being developed by Boston Engineering Corporation's Advanced Systems Group (ASG) in Waltham, Massachusetts. It can inspect the interior voids of ships such as flooded bilges and tanks, and other hard to reach external areas. The DHS tuna bot will also inspect and protect harbors and piers and carry out important security missions.

Here's a video from Mashable:

No one is going to confuse one of these with a predator drone.

Hat tip: JW

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Technorati Tag: Homeland Security.