Engineers have created an underwater humanoid robot with tactile sensing

Researchers from Stanford University have created a controlled humanoid robot for remote exploration of the world's oceans. The device is capable of transmitting tactile sensations to the operator in real time.

OceanOneK connects to a vessel on the water's surface that is connected to the internet. This allows for control of the humanoid from anywhere in the world.

It is equipped with soft, sensitive "hands" that can carefully handle even fragile objects. Researchers were able to retrieve treasures that sank over 2000 years ago.

"We raised beautiful oil lamps, exquisite cups — and all in perfect condition. The archaeologists were amazed," noted Usama Katib, director of the Stanford Robotics Center.

The tactile interface allows the operator to "feel" the same as the robot underwater. This creates the effect of physical presence at the bottom of the ocean.

"The uniqueness of this bot is that it does not just observe, but is capable of acting," added Katib.

The humanoid can dive to a depth of up to 1000 meters. In 2022, it carried out a series of missions in the Mediterranean Sea, including research:

• sunken Roman galley ( approximately 200 AD );
• submarines of World War II.

At a depth of 850 meters, the robot installed a commemorative plaque and then raised it back to the surface.

Katib believes that such gadgets can play the same role for oceanology as observatories do for the study of space.

"Now we can create ocean observatories that scientists from around the world can connect to, remotely assisting in the study, protection, and restoration of ocean health."

Recall that in May, Amazon introduced the Vulcan robot with a sense of touch.

In the same month, the first Muay Thai combat tournament among humanoid G1 robots from Unitree Robotics was held in the Chinese city of Hangzhou.