This "turtle robot" isn't just cute; it also watches over coral reefs - CNET Japan
Beatbot, known for its pool cleaning robots, unveiled a swimming turtle robot at CES 2026.
At CES 2026, one of the world's largest technology trade shows, not only AI and robotics technologies are attracting attention, but also technologies that address environmental issues. One such technology is RoboTurtle, a turtle-shaped robot that swims by mimicking the movements of a sea turtle. Not only is it unique in appearance, but it was also introduced as a technology that can "non-destructively investigate" underwater environments such as coral reefs.
Why are underwater robots attracting attention in the environmental field right now? Using RoboTurtle as a clue, we will summarize the latest trends in environmental tech.
What is CES 2026?
CES 2026 is one of the world's largest technology trade shows, held in Las Vegas, USA from January 6th to 9th, 2026. Organized by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), the event brought together new technologies from a wide range of fields, including AI, robotics, semiconductors, automobiles, and health tech.
In recent years, CES has seen an increase in technology exhibits that are not only focused on convenience but also on the environment and sustainability (systems that can be continued into the future).
Turtle robot RoboTurtle
RoboTurtle, exhibited at CES 2026, is a turtle-shaped underwater robot developed by Beatbot. At CES 2025, it was just a static prototype, but in 2026, it was revealed to be actually swimming in an aquarium and responding to hand movements.
RoboTurtle is based on pool-cleaning robot technology, but is also designed to be used to explore underwater environments.
Biomimetic technology replicates the swimming movements of sea turtles
The main feature of RoboTurtle is its biomimetic technology (technology that mimics the movements of living creatures).The development team observed sea turtles' movements in their natural environment for about two months, and used motion capture technology to analyze their joint movements and swimming patterns.Based on this data, the robot is able to replicate the relaxed swimming style that is unique to sea turtles.
RoboTurtle can dive to a depth of 5 meters and periodically surface to communicate and transmit its location information.It has a solar panel on its back that allows it to charge on the surface of the water..
Environmental survey robot for protecting coral reefs
RoboTurtle is an environmental survey robot developed in collaboration with researchers and environmental NGOs. In complex and fragile places like coral reefs, direct human intervention or the use of large machinery can have an adverse effect on the ecosystem. RoboTurtle swims quietly and uses its built-in camera to observe water quality and fish numbers, aiming to conduct surveys with minimal impact on the environment.
In Indonesian waters, the recovery status of coral reefs damaged by shipwrecks must be assessed annually, and it has been reported that minimally invasive underwater robots are needed in such areas.
The expansion of underwater robot research
RoboTurtle is not the only research being done into underwater robots. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the US, a fish-shaped robot is being developed that can observe coral reefs while swimming naturally like a fish. At Cornell University, a fish robot that uses liquid batteries as artificial blood and can continue swimming for long periods of time has been reported. At the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems in Germany, a jellyfish robot that mimics the movements of a jellyfish has been introduced as an example of its application to collecting marine plastic waste.
In Japan, research institutes such as the Tokyo Institute of Technology are conducting research into robots that can swim underwater on their own and humanoids that can replicate swimming movements. These technologies are being used for underwater research, maintenance, cleaning, and equipment inspection.
My Feelings, Then and Now
- CES 2026 will feature many environmentally and sustainability-conscious technologies.
- RoboTurtle is a turtle-shaped underwater robot that combines biomimetic technology and AI.
- The aim is to investigate delicate underwater environments such as coral reefs without damaging them.
- Research into swimming robots, such as fish and jellyfish robots, is progressing around the world.
In marine conservation, there are many places that are difficult for humans to access. Underwater robots like RoboTurtle are valuable because they can teach us about the current state of the ocean, which we do not know, through the eyes of AI. The evolution of technology does not just create convenient tools, but also plays a role in helping us coexist with other living things on Earth.
What global issue would you like to solve using technology? Just as new technology has saved coral reefs, your ideas could be a major force in protecting the environment of the future.