A group of researchers at the University of California has created a prototype robot to suck up oil and other contaminants from seawater.

The goal is for it to go to remote places, where no other means can go, and to be sustainable.

Designated Neusbot, which is a combination of robot and neuston - the name given to organisms that live in the surface layer of bodies of water - is a reusable solar-powered robot. As the UC explains, it is composed of three layers, and the middle layer contains water, iron oxide, and copper nanobastons. The nanobubbles convert light into heat, causing the water to evaporate and creating a pulsed motion that makes the robot walk.

"Our goal was to make robots that are lightweight, sustainable and able to adapt to changes in the environment. If sunlight is used to generate power, this machine is sustainable and will not require additional energy sources," explains chemist Zhiwei Li.

For now, the team plans to test a new version with four layers, which can absorb oil or other chemicals present in the water.