Researchers have created a robot that is completely capable of replicating the backstroke perfectly. The Tokyo University of Technology which is led by associate professor Motomu Nakashima believes that robots like Swumanoid could be developed into potent robot lifeguards helping those distressed in the waters and acting as bay-watch.

This robot could also provide more insight into swimming.

Since it is extremely difficult to integrate the motion-sensing pads to the swimmers and even if achieved it would be difficult for them to keep up with the repetitive action continuously 'swumanoid' would be the perfect solution.

It would allow the researchers to accurately measure the force that is required by the swimmers to propel them through water by measuring several parameters.
The swumanoid is also a 3D rendering of a human swimmer's physique and hence the data would be precisely correct for the humans too. The robot incorporates over 20 waterproof motors that are computer-controlled allowing seamless and perfect swims. 

The present model is capable of replicating the front crawl and the backstroke while a new pair of legs would be necessary to replicate the breast-stroke. It can swim at a meager 6m/s speed while the fastest human could swim at 18m/s.

(AW- Anil)