This research develops electrostatic artificial muscles for underwater robots inspired by the movement of fish and sharks. Unlike noisy propeller-driven systems, these soft actuators enable quieter, more efficient swimming that minimises disturbance to marine ecosystems, offering a promising alternative for environmental monitoring, reef surveys, and underwater infrastructure inspection.
This research develops a seawater-compatible electrolyzer that uses state-of-the-art materials with an integrated deionization layer powered by waste heat. The system enables efficient hydrogen production from seawater, supporting portable refueling stations for hydrogen-powered marine UAVs and advancing clean, sustainable energy for offshore operations.