University of Surrey Student Develops 3D-Printed Robotic Fish to Fight Microplastic Pollution

A student from the University of Surrey has created a groundbreaking 3D-printed robotic fish named Gillbert, designed to help combat microplastic pollution in freshwater environments. Engineered with flexible, bio-inspired fins, Gillbert mimics the natural movement of real fish as it swims through rivers and lakes. While swimming, it actively filters microplastics from the water, preventing these harmful particles from reaching the oceans and entering the food chain.

Gillbert is equipped with a reusable filtration system that can be easily cleaned, enabling continuous operation and long-term environmental benefits. The robot’s open-source design is freely available, allowing students, researchers, and environmental organizations around the world to replicate and build upon the project. This makes Gillbert not just a tool for pollution control but also a powerful educational and research resource.

By combining biomimetic engineering with sustainable practices, this innovative project demonstrates how low-cost, accessible technologies can offer practical solutions to pressing ecological issues. Gillbert stands as a promising example of how future-focused design can empower individuals and communities to take meaningful action in environmental conservation.