North Carolina State University develops 3D soft underwater robot

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a feather star-inspired soft underwater robot capable of three-dimensional maneuverability using only two actuators. This design utilizes a concept known as ‘mechanical intelligence,’ where the robot’s physical structure and material properties handle complex tasks typically managed by sensors, microcomputers, and real-time algorithms.

The robot features a central octagonal frame with four flexible, monostable triangular arms. By controlling the inflation and deflation of two pneumatic channels, the device can switch between three distinct swimming modes: a ‘jellyfish’ mode for vertical movement and hovering, a ‘fish’ mode for directional swimming, and a ‘rotor’ mode for axial rotation.

While traditional underwater robots often require at least six independent actuators to achieve similar 3D movement, this model achieves comparable agility with significantly reduced mechanical complexity. The research, published in Science Advances, demonstrates that the robot’s geometry and elastic properties allow it to perform complex maneuvers like ascending, hovering, turning, and descending along set trajectories.