Most of the ocean is unknown, yet we know that the most challenging environments on the planet reside in it. Understanding the ocean in its totality is a key component for the sustainable development of human activities and for the mitigation of climate change, as stated by the United Nations.
We are delighted to share our perspective about the role of soft robots in ocean exploration and offshore operations at the outset of the ocean decade (2021-2030).
In this study, published in Soft Robotics, we focus on the two ends of the water column: the abyss and the surface. The abyss is mostly unexplored, containing unknown physical, biological and chemical information; the surface is where industrial offshore activities take place, and where human operators face dangerous environmental conditions.
The analysis of recent developments in soft robotics brought to light their potential in solving some of the challenges that industry and scientists are facing at sea.
Our paper offers a discussion about how we can use the latest technological advances in soft robotics to overcome the limitations of existing technology. We lay out the crucial characteristics that future marine robots should possess. Our perspective paper calls for the production of soft robots to be mindful of the marine environment by using innovative materials. With this study we wish to invite a multidisciplinary approach to create novel sustainable soft systems.
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