Book 15, Question 122
Why Do Some Underwater Robots Glide by Changing Their Weight?
Some underwater robots glide by changing their weight, pumping oil in and out of a bladder! Making itself lighter or heavier is the whole trick. Wings then turn up-and-down motion into a slow glide forward.
More fun facts
- An ocean glider is a robot submarine that collects ocean data on its own.
- It changes how well it floats by moving oil in and out of a bladder.
- It shifts a big battery inside to point its nose up or down.
- Its wings turn the up-and-down motion into a forward zig-zag.
- Gliders need little help from people, so they collect data in remote places at low cost.
Sources: NOAA Ocean Service, NOAA Ocean Exploration
Questions kids ask
How does a glider move forward?
Its wings turn sinking and rising into a forward zig-zag.