A robotic snake that can swim through bodies of water and detect sources of pollution has been developed by researchers from Switzerland’s École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

At 1.5-meters long, the snake is composed of modules outfitted with individual motors that allow for easy movement through the water. In addition to the individual motors, some of the modules contain sensors that are designed to measure temperature and conductivity.

Other modules are chambers housing bacteria and fish cells that can fill with water. Based on the response of the bacteria and fish cells to the water sample, researchers are able to determine the types of pollutants and toxins present in the water.

The robotic snake, called Envirobot, can be operated via remote or programmed to swim on its own.

To see the Envirobot in action, watch the accompanying video.