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Plasticized electrohydraulic robot autopilots in the deep sea
Guorui Li1,2,3,4, Peng Shen1,2,3, Tuck-Whye Wong5
1College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, China.
Science Robotics
|August 13, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel soft robot for deep-sea exploration, utilizing a liquid plasticizer to maintain softness and enable efficient actuation. Field tests confirm its capability to navigate and sense at extreme ocean depths.
Area of Science:
- Robotics
- Materials Science
- Oceanography
Background:
- Soft robots are promising for deep-sea exploration due to their compliance and minimal disturbance.
- Material stiffening under pressure hinders soft robot actuation in harsh deep-sea environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a soft robot capable of sustained actuation and environmental sensing in deep-sea conditions.
- To address the challenge of material stiffening in soft robots operating at extreme depths.
Main Methods:
- Integrated a liquid dielectric plasticizer into an electrohydraulic soft robot.
- Utilized surrounding seawater as alternating electrodes to prevent charge retention.
- Conducted field tests at depths up to ~4071 meters.
Main Results:
- The plasticizer acted as both a softening agent and an electrohydraulic fluid, ensuring efficient actuation.
- Sustained actuation performance was achieved by preventing charge retention.
- The robot successfully sensed its environment, navigated complex paths, and withstood disturbances at deep-sea depths.
Conclusions:
- The developed soft robot demonstrates robust performance in deep-sea environments.
- This work provides a framework for designing soft materials for deep-sea applications.
- The findings pave the way for advanced soft robotic missions in the deep ocean.
