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3d ago

China’s Jellyfish-Inspired Robot Glides Underwater in Near Silence With Onboard AI

The transparent hydrogel prototype demonstrated on state TV uses electrostatic actuation for low‑disturbance sensing.

Known as an “underwater phantom,” the robot was created by Tao Kai in Xian, Shaanxi province.
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China has revealed a new biomimetic underwater drone with a transparent, jellyfish-like body designed for stealth surveillance missions, capable of blending into the deep-sea environment.
The bionic robot can mimic the muscle contraction and reflexes of jellyfish. Photo: Handout

Overview

  • Researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi'an, led by Tao Kai, unveiled a small, transparent "underwater phantom" modeled on a jellyfish.
  • The device measures about 120 millimeters across, weighs roughly 56 grams, and operates at around 28.5 milliwatts to minimize acoustic and physical disturbance.
  • An electrostatic hydraulic actuator rhythmically pulses the umbrella-shaped body and tentacles to mimic jellyfish locomotion without propeller noise or vibration.
  • A tiny camera paired with an onboard AI chip enables autonomous recognition of underwater targets, shown identifying a university emblem and a clownfish during a televised test.
  • The robot was featured on CCTV alongside other bioinspired machines, with reported applications including environmental monitoring, structural inspection, and potential covert reconnaissance.