ZJU Scientists Latest Research: Soft Robot For Exploration in Mariana Trench

Exploration of the Mariana Trench, the deepest known submarine trench on Earth, has long captivated the imagination of scientists and adventurers alike. However, the extreme hydrostatic pressure found in this forbidding environment presents a formidable challenge for man-made machines. Until recently, the prospect of venturing into this abyss seemed reserved for only the most resilient of crafts.

In a groundbreaking development, scientists at Zhejiang University have shattered this barrier with their latest research into soft robotics. Led by Professor LI Tiefeng from the Center for X-Mechanics at the Zhejiang University School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, in collaboration with Zhejiang Lab and interdisciplinary partners, the team has devised a revolutionary solution inspired by nature’s own adaptations.

The key to their innovation lies in mimicking the unique anatomies of deep-sea creatures that thrive in the Mariana Trench despite its crushing pressures. By harnessing the principles of pressure adaptation and integrating them into mechatronic systems, the researchers have unlocked the potential for intelligent machines capable of navigating complex environments with ease.

Published as a cover story in Nature, the team’s research showcases the development of a self-powered soft robot specifically designed for deep-sea exploration. Unlike traditional rigid vessels that require extensive pressure-resilient structures, this innovative robot features onboard power, control, and actuation seamlessly integrated into a silicone matrix. The result is an untethered marvel of engineering that eliminates the need for cumbersome protective shells.

Drawing inspiration from the remarkable resilience of deep-sea fauna, particularly the snailfish found at depths of up to 11,000 meters in the Mariana Trench, the soft robot’s design mirrors nature’s ingenuity. Its soft actuator, comprising dielectric elastomers and flapping fins, enables remarkable swimming performance while mitigating the effects of high pressure.

With a striking resemblance to its biological counterpart, the soft robot’s distributed skull and flapping pectoral fins allow it to navigate the depths with agility and grace. Through meticulous design and engineering, the research team has enhanced the pressure resilience of electronic components and actuators, ensuring the robot’s adaptability to the most extreme conditions.

Central to the robot’s propulsion system is the innovative use of self-powered dielectric elastomer muscles developed by Professor LUO Yingwu’s team at the Zhejiang University College of Chemical and Biological Engineering. These muscles, capable of functioning even in the icy depths of the Mariana Trench, harness the surrounding seawater to generate the flapping motion essential for movement.

The success of this interdisciplinary endeavor underscores the critical role of X-mechanics in advancing the frontiers of robotics. Through collaboration with researchers from diverse academic backgrounds and technical specialties, the team has demonstrated the feasibility of their materials and structures in high-pressure environments.

Beyond its implications for deep-sea exploration, the research holds promise for the broader field of robotics and artificial intelligence (AI). By overcoming the challenges of extreme environments, such as deep-sea trenches, polar regions, and high-impact areas, soft robots offer new avenues for environmental observation and scientific discovery.

In the words of Professor LI Tiefeng, this research opens a new chapter in the exploration of the deep sea, paving the way for intelligent devices and robots capable of tackling diverse tasks and complex scenarios. As humanity continues to push the boundaries of exploration, the fusion of biology-inspired design and cutting-edge technology promises to unlock new realms of discovery beneath the waves.