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 soft robots using liquid crystal elastomers that act as artificial muscles. By designing materials at the molecular level and 3D printing them into responsive structures, researchers can create flexible robots that move like animals. These soft robots could navigate tight spaces during search-and-rescue missions after disasters.