China unveils jellyfish-like robot for silent underwater missions

Chinese researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an have developed a jellyfish-inspired underwater robot designed for stealthy deep-sea missions. Led by Tao Kai, the transparent, soft-bodied robot mimics real jellyfish movements using a fluid propulsion system powered by an electrostatic hydraulic actuator. Measuring 4.7 inches in diameter and weighing two ounces, it moves quietly and efficiently, consuming only 28.5 milliwatts of power, which allows it to operate with minimal physical and acoustic disturbance. Its lifelike design and near-silent operation make it suitable for delicate marine ecosystem monitoring, structural inspections, and covert reconnaissance. Equipped with a tiny camera and onboard AI processing chip, the robot autonomously detects and identifies underwater targets using machine learning, enabling real-time data capture and navigation in complex aquatic environments. The project highlights China’s advancing biomimetic robotics capabilities, demonstrated publicly on a CCTV science program alongside other bioinspired robots. This innovation showcases the potential for combining nature-inspired design with intelligent