Engineers Develop Touchable Humanoid Robot for Underwater Exploration

Researchers from Stanford University have developed a remote-controlled humanoid robot designed for exploring the world’s oceans. This device is capable of transmitting tactile feedback to the operator in real-time.

Named OceanOneK, the robot connects to a vessel on the water’s surface, which is internet-enabled. This connectivity allows the humanoid to be operated from anywhere in the world.

Equipped with soft, sensitive «hands,» the robot can handle even delicate objects with care. It successfully retrieved treasures that have been submerged for over 2,000 years.

«We recovered beautiful oil lamps and exquisite cups, all in pristine condition. The archaeologists were astonished,» said Usama Katib, director of Stanford’s Robotics Center.

The tactile interface allows the operator to «feel» what the robot encounters underwater, creating an impression of physically being on the ocean floor.

«The uniqueness of this bot lies in its ability not just to observe, but also to take action,» Katib added.

The humanoid can dive to depths of up to 1,000 meters. In 2022, it completed a series of missions in the Mediterranean Sea, including:

At a depth of 850 meters, the robot placed a memorial plaque and subsequently retrieved it.

Katib believes that such gadgets could serve oceanography in the same way that observatories do for space exploration.

«Now, we can establish oceanic observatories that scientists worldwide can connect to, assisting remotely in the study, protection, and restoration of ocean health.»

In May, Amazon unveiled a tactile robot named Vulcan.

Also, that same month in Hangzhou, China, the first Muay Thai-style robot combat tournament featuring humanoid G1 robots from Unitree Robotics took place.