# North Carolina State University soft underwater robot > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-state-university-soft-underwater-robot > Updated: 2026-10-25T02:03:00.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a biomimetic soft underwater robot inspired by the feather star, a marine crinoid. The device utilizes “mechanical intelligence,” a design approach where the robot’s physical structure and material properties manage complex tasks, reducing the reliance on sensors, microcomputers, and real-time algorithms. Unlike traditional underwater robots that typically require at least six independent actuators to achieve three-dimensional maneuverability, this model achieves similar agility using only two pneumatic actuators. The robot features a central octagonal frame with four flexible, monostable triangular arms. By controlling the inflation and deflation of the pneumatic channels, the robot can switch between different swimming modes, including vertical movement, directional swimming, and axial rotation. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-25: North Carolina State University researchers develop biomimetic underwater robot North Carolina State University researchers created a feather star-inspired underwater robot that achieves 3D maneuverability using only two actuators through mechanical intelligence. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-carolina-state-university-researchers-develop-biomimetic-underwater-robot ### 2026-10-12: North Carolina State University develops 3D soft underwater robot North Carolina State University researchers developed a soft underwater robot that uses ‘mechanical intelligence’ and only two actuators to achieve 3D maneuverability, mimicking a feather star. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nc-state-researchers-develop-feather-star-inspired-underwater-robot --- Cite as: North Carolina State University soft underwater robot. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/north-carolina-state-university-soft-underwater-robot