This is Randi Hacker with another Postcard from Asia from the KU Center for East Asian Studies.

Usually you expect this kind of news from Japan but this time it’s South Korea where scientists have just created a robotic fish. Yes, folks, this is an electronic fish that can live underwater. At depths of up to 100 meters. Without rusting or shorting out. The fish is called Ichthys which is Greek for mulgogi which is Korean for fish. Ichthys is operated by remote control and can swim for up to four hours, in all directions on a single charge. Cute? Yeah. Clever? Sure. Useful? Come on! Because, what, really, is the point? It has no point. Unless it’s simply to replace koi with toy…?

From the KU Center for East Asian Studies, this is Randi Hacker. Fish you were here.