Shape-shifting robot that swims now explores Mariana Trench, reaches depth of 34,776-ft

A new shape-shifting robot has achieved deep-sea exploration milestones, reaching depths of 10,600 meters in the Mariana Trench. Developed by Chinese researchers, the miniature robot can swim, crawl, and glide underwater using innovative snap-through actuators that become stronger at greater depths. The team also created a soft gripper that successfully retrieved live specimens from 3,400 meters deep in the South China Sea. This technology could revolutionize deep-sea exploration and specimen collection while minimizing ecological disturbance.