A UniSci news release describes an interesting new type of sensor for underwater robots. The sensor is based on a sensory organ possessed by fish called a lateral line system. The sensor responds to fluid flow around the fish (or robot), effectively allowing it to "feel" the water; making it possible to detect objects and sense movement even in complete darkness. The sensor was developed by electical engineer Chang Liu, and entomologist Fred Delcomyn. A more detailed description of their work complete with diagrams and photos is available in their recently published paper, Development of Artificial Lateral-Line Flow Sensors (PDF).