▲ AIRO Inc. World's First Silk Carp Robot

Established in 2014, AIRO Inc. (www.airo.kr) is a Korean robot venture company, whose main operations involve the manufacturing and development of underwater robots. Over 40% of their total sales are from exports of their aquarium fish robots.

This year, the world's first Nishikigoi (“silk carp”) robot was introduced to the world, much to the delight of observers. The company produces a large-sized 53cm aquarium fish robot and a smaller, 33cm medium-sized aquarium fish robot. The first of its kind, the aquatic robot MIRO series was conceived from the idea that all life on Earth originated from the water; accordingly, the developers hope to branch out by expanding their expertise areas to the understanding and management of the world’s water. Oh Yong Joo (Dragon Oh), CEO of AIRO, hopes to become the “hidden champion” of the world’s underwater robot industry.

▲ Dragon OH, CEO of AIRO

For AIRO, the ultimate goal is not the fish robot per se, but rather underwater service robots. Their foray into aquarium fish robots began with the realization of the potential of underwater service robots and their related markets, given water’s critical role in human survival. Moreover, while numerous companies have devoted a great deal of R&D to drones and bipedal walking land robots, comparatively few companies have devoted their resources to aquatic robots, thereby giving this industry an incredible amount of room in which to grow.

▲Aquarium fish robot MIRO-9 and MIRO-7

With Mr. Oh’s underwater service robot idea firmly anchored, he began with something that he thought would stand out – aquarium fish robots. Over time and with technical know-how, he was finally able to – for the first time ever – create fish-shaped robots based on biomimetics that simulate aquatic life forms, which ultimately became known as the aquarium fish robot MIRO-9 and MIRO-7. Moreover, by using 3D design technology, the varied eye-catching and colorful patterns of the Nishikigoi robot can be customized to the customer’s tastes, something that would be difficult in a real silk carp, and a real selling point.

The MIRO-9 is 53 cm in size and the MIRO-7 is 33 cm in size. The MIRO-9 series and the MIRO-7 series were developed with various patterns but were conceived to ensure that customers could achieve their own desired patterns and designs. The small-sized MIRO-5 and MIRO-3 that are currently in development will be supplied with smart aquariums for individual homes.

This year, the MIRO-DRONE and Coelacanth (MIRO-21) – an extinct Paleozoic species – will be developed and unveiled to the public. The company is even accepting orders from overseas. In addition, underwater robot performance system technology using MIROs has also been developed, so that this system can independently control the images + music + stories simultaneously on a screen at the back of the water tank. With this technology, the aquarium and aquarium fish robots can be used to create a new form or genre of entertainment, including underwater robotic dramas. The world's first underwater robot performance systems are in development across aquariums and theme parks, and the applications of underwater robots are endless.

▲ Interactive Robot Aquarium

AIRO’S CEO Oh Yong Joo has said that "even in fields where robots have had little relevance – such as interior design and landscape architecture – they are now a reality. The market for aquarium fish robots is growing along with the existing aquarium fish market such as the Nishikigoi and tropical fish. We seek to increase our role in the underdeveloped areas and to also work towards their preservation.” He continued, "in fact, our aquarium fish robots swim well with the living fishes," he said, adding that "for our children, this is meaningful, as both robots and living creatures living together in harmony gives us a glimpse into the possibility of an alternative future.”