On August 14, the international journal Science Robotics published the latest findings from Professor Li Guorui’s research team at Harbin Engineering University: the successful development of plasticized electrohydraulic soft robots capable of autonomous deep-sea operation.
The study, conducted in collaboration with Zhejiang University, the China Ship Scientific Research Center, and other partners, builds on years of research into electrohydraulic-driven deep-sea robotics. These soft robots have already been deployed in multiple marine environments, including a cold seep at 1,369 meters and a seamount region at 4,070 meters. The results were highlighted in a special feature on the homepage of Science.
Professor LI Guorui is the first author and co-corresponding author of the paper, with Harbin Engineering University listed as the lead institution. The research was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the National Key Research and Development Program.
In 2022, the team initiated work on electrohydraulic soft robotics inspired by the classic physical phenomenon of electrokinetic flow. By transforming this principle into an electrohydraulic drive mechanism, they extended a well-established physical law into a groundbreaking application for deep-sea exploration equipment.
The system harnesses electric fields to regulate the ordered flow of dielectric fluid, converting electric field forces into driving power for flexible hydraulic units. Each electrohydraulic unit consists of a thin-film shell, flexible electrodes, and dielectric fluid. Under the influence of Maxwell stress, the fluid flows in a directed manner, enabling precise, controllable deformation of the flexible unit.
The researchers conducted systematic studies on force-electric coupling and large-deformation behavior of the electrohydraulic units under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions. This design not only provides excellent deformation capability but also allows the dielectric fluid to adaptively balance with deep-sea water pressure, ensuring functionality across the full depth range of the ocean.
