Meet E.M.I.L.Y., the Robot Lifeguard

Beach season has definitely arrived! But, while having fun in the sun and swimming are good times, the ocean can be dangerous and drowning is an an all too common occurrence.

This summer, lifeguards at Zuma Beach in Malibu will have a new assistant. E.M.I.L.Y. is her name, and she is a robot. The new EMergency Integrated Lifesaving lanYard (E.M.I.L.Y.) by Hydronalix is a device using cutting-edge Navy technology that can move at a speed of 28 mph and is capable of locating a distressed swimmer through sonar detection. E.M.I.L.Y. will be able to travel up to 80 miles on a single electric charge.

"When you have a cutting edge device that is using Navy technologies, best of the best, of course you want something like E.M.I.L.Y. on your side this summer," said CNN tech expert Katie Linendoll.

For now, E.M.I.L.Y. will be joining the team in Malibu, but should be making her debut in 25 more beaches by December. At the current stage of development, the device will be operated by a lifeguard using remote control. When E.M.I.L.Y. reaches the person in the water, on-board speakers will allow the lifeguard to talk to the swimmer to try to calm their nerves. By next spring, E.M.I.L.Y. should be able to rescue independently.

While E.M.I.L.Y. won't be replacing human rescuers any time soon, this robot will be an excellent assistant during crucial times when seconds could mean the difference between life and death.

Photo courtesy of Hydronalix via POPSCI.