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Bioinspired soft robots for deep-sea exploration

Author

Listed:
  • Guorui Li

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University
    Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Tuck-Whye Wong

    (Zhejiang University
    Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)

  • Benjamin Shih

    (Harvard University)

  • Chunyu Guo

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University
    Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Luwen Wang

    (Hangzhou City University)

  • Jiaqi Liu

    (Beihang University)

  • Tao Wang

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University
    Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Xiaobo Liu

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University
    Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Jiayao Yan

    (University of California)

  • Baosheng Wu

    (Northwestern Polytechnical University)

  • Fajun Yu

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University
    Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University)

  • Yunsai Chen

    (Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University)

  • Yiming Liang

    (Zhejiang Lab)

  • Yaoting Xue

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Chengjun Wang

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Shunping He

    (Institute of Deep-Sea Science and Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Li Wen

    (Beihang University)

  • Michael T. Tolley

    (University of California)

  • A-Man Zhang

    (Science and Technology on Underwater Vehicle Technology Laboratory, Harbin Engineering University
    Harbin Engineering University)

  • Cecilia Laschi

    (National University of Singapore
    The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna)

  • Tiefeng Li

    (Zhejiang University)

Abstract

The deep ocean, Earth’s untouched expanse, presents immense challenges for exploration due to its extreme pressure, temperature, and darkness. Unlike traditional marine robots that require specialized metallic vessels for protection, deep-sea species thrive without such cumbersome pressure-resistant designs. Their pressure-adaptive forms, unique propulsion methods, and advanced senses have inspired innovation in designing lightweight, compact soft machines. This perspective addresses challenges, recent strides, and design strategies for bioinspired deep-sea soft robots. Drawing from abyssal life, it explores the actuation, sensing, power, and pressure resilience of multifunctional deep-sea soft robots, offering game-changing solutions for profound exploration and operation in harsh conditions.

Suggested Citation

  • Guorui Li & Tuck-Whye Wong & Benjamin Shih & Chunyu Guo & Luwen Wang & Jiaqi Liu & Tao Wang & Xiaobo Liu & Jiayao Yan & Baosheng Wu & Fajun Yu & Yunsai Chen & Yiming Liang & Yaoting Xue & Chengjun Wan, 2023. "Bioinspired soft robots for deep-sea exploration," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:14:y:2023:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-023-42882-3
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42882-3
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    References listed on IDEAS

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