NC State University + University of Virginia · Soft aquatic robotics

NC State builds a two-actuator underwater robot with 3D motion

Physical tank prototypeOctober 7, 2026

Conceptual experimental soft underwater robot in a clear laboratory watertank, compact central hub with four flexible featherlike wings radially arranged, two pneumatic tubes visibly leading to lab equipment above tank — **AI-generated illustration** — Conceptual illustration of a pneumatic soft underwater robot; not a photograph of the reported prototype or experiment. Created with OpenAI image generation · 1536 × 1024 · Illustrative concept, not a photograph of the reported event.

What happened

NC State reports a peak speed of 1.64 body lengths per second and rotation up to 90 degrees per second. In controlled demonstrations, the robot carried a camera through underwater spaces and lifted objects alone or in coordination with other robots.

Why it matters

The work demonstrates three-dimensional maneuvering with fewer actuators than conventional control architectures. It remains a laboratory prototype that is not fully wireless, autonomous, field-deployed or commercially available.

Source checked October 31, 2026. Status describes the evidence in the linked source at the time of review.