A miniature, multi-modal deep-sea robot, jointly developed by Beihang University, the Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Zhejiang University, has been successfully published in the prestigious international academic journal Science Robotics. This robot represents a landmark achievement in marine exploration and scientific research, particularly for deep-sea applications.
Measuring less than 50 centimeters in length and weighing only 1500 grams, this remarkable robot can perform multi-modal locomotion at depths of up to 10,000 meters. This means it can not only swim but also glide and crawl, demonstrating exceptional adaptability. Traditional robots often struggle in the extreme conditions of the deep sea, but this new robot's superior performance has greatly excited the research team.
Image Source Note: Image generated by AI, licensed by Midjourney.
After six years of dedicated work, the research team has successfully presented this innovative achievement to the international academic community. They stated that this deep-sea robot will not only be limited to exploring the mysteries of the ocean but will also be combined with artificial intelligence in the future to drive the development of deep-sea soft robots. This research not only provides a new tool for deep-sea exploration but also brings new perspectives and possibilities for future marine scientific research.
With continuous technological advancements, deep-sea exploration is gradually becoming a field full of opportunities and challenges. The multi-modal locomotion capabilities demonstrated by this robot foreshadow a future of more in-depth and diversified research in the marine field. The team is actively exploring the robot's applications in various deep-sea environments, including monitoring marine ecosystems and exploiting deep-sea resources.
In this process, the deep-sea robot is not only a "probe" for scientists but will also become an important assistant in future marine scientific research, helping humanity better understand and protect the marine environment upon which we depend.
