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What is the story about?
China has shown a lifelike underwater robot that looks and moves like a real fish. It is called the BG-5 Golden Dragon Fish; the 3-kg robot can move through water on its own, detect obstacles and change its direction without following a fixed route.
The robot was displayed at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at Beijing’s Shougang Park. It has been developed by Boyagongdao Marine Technology Group and is designed to resemble a golden arowana fish.
Instead of regular underwater drones, the Golden Dragon Fish does not use a traditional propeller to move. It uses a flexible, multi-joint tail that moves in a wave-like pattern, similar to how a real fish swims.
According to Chinese outlet Jimu News, an exhibition staff member said the robot does not have to follow a route that has already been programmed. Its onboard sensors can detect objects around it and help the robot change its course automatically.
This could be useful in underwater areas where conditions can change and a human operator may not be able to control every movement of the robot.
The manufacturer's catalogue says the BG-5 is 640 mm long, 204 mm wide and 90 mm high. It weighs around 3 kg and can operate at a maximum depth of 5 metres.
The robot has a listed top speed of 0.6 metres per second. Its three-joint tail is made up of seven segments which can work together to create a wave-like movement.
The fish-shaped design is based on the idea of biomimetic robotics, where machines copy the way animals move and work in nature.
Researchers are trying to use some of the fish's natural features to build underwater robots that can work in places where conventional underwater vehicles may face difficulties.
Because of its small size, the BG-5 could also be used in shallow or narrow areas where larger underwater vehicles may not be practical.
Boyagongdao has also listed a more advanced version called the BG-5V. It comes with features such as path planning, task allocation and formation control.
The system is designed to allow multiple underwater robots to work together. Several robots can divide tasks, move in a coordinated formation and cover different areas at the same time.
The Golden Dragon Fish has also developed a biomimetic underwater robot called ROBO-SHARK in cooperation with a military unit, according to material published by the World Robot Conference.
The robot was displayed at the 2026 China International Fair for Trade in Services (CIFTIS) at Beijing’s Shougang Park. It has been developed by Boyagongdao Marine Technology Group and is designed to resemble a golden arowana fish.
Instead of regular underwater drones, the Golden Dragon Fish does not use a traditional propeller to move. It uses a flexible, multi-joint tail that moves in a wave-like pattern, similar to how a real fish swims.
According to Chinese outlet Jimu News, an exhibition staff member said the robot does not have to follow a route that has already been programmed. Its onboard sensors can detect objects around it and help the robot change its course automatically.
This could be useful in underwater areas where conditions can change and a human operator may not be able to control every movement of the robot.
The manufacturer's catalogue says the BG-5 is 640 mm long, 204 mm wide and 90 mm high. It weighs around 3 kg and can operate at a maximum depth of 5 metres.
The robot has a listed top speed of 0.6 metres per second. Its three-joint tail is made up of seven segments which can work together to create a wave-like movement.
The fish-shaped design is based on the idea of biomimetic robotics, where machines copy the way animals move and work in nature.
Researchers are trying to use some of the fish's natural features to build underwater robots that can work in places where conventional underwater vehicles may face difficulties.
Because of its small size, the BG-5 could also be used in shallow or narrow areas where larger underwater vehicles may not be practical.
Boyagongdao has also listed a more advanced version called the BG-5V. It comes with features such as path planning, task allocation and formation control.
The system is designed to allow multiple underwater robots to work together. Several robots can divide tasks, move in a coordinated formation and cover different areas at the same time.
The Golden Dragon Fish has also developed a biomimetic underwater robot called ROBO-SHARK in cooperation with a military unit, according to material published by the World Robot Conference.
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