In late November 2025, researchers at the Chinese mainland's Lanzhou Institute of Chemical Physics (LICP), part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, achieved a milestone: the development of the first adaptive hydrogel biomimetic suction disc. This innovation could transform underwater robotics, offering agile grasping and fine manipulation in complex aquatic environments.
Inspired by the natural suction cups of octopuses, the team engineered a soft hydrogel material that adapts its shape and adhesion based on the surface it encounters. By precisely controlling water content and polymer networks, the disc can handle objects as delicate as marine specimens and as rugged as deep-sea equipment.
“Our design mimics biological suction while adding programmability,” says Dr. Li Wei, lead scientist at LICP. “This opens doors for subsea exploration, offshore maintenance and aquaculture automation.” Lab tests showed a 20% improvement in grip stability compared to conventional suction devices and a 30% reduction in energy consumption.
Data from the project highlights:
- Adaptive adhesion on surfaces ranging from smooth fish scales to rocky seabeds
- Fine manipulation of samples weighing under 5 grams to tools over 2 kilograms
- Energy efficiency gains that extend operational time by up to 40%
The breakthrough arrives as industries worldwide seek more versatile underwater robots for environmental monitoring, renewable energy infrastructure and maritime archaeology. For entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts, this represents a new frontier in soft robotics and sustainable design.
Looking ahead, the LICP team plans field trials in the East China Sea and collaboration with global partners to integrate the suction disc into commercial robotic arms. As digital nomads and travelers explore the oceans, innovations like this could soon power submersibles that map coral reefs, inspect pipelines, and recover lost artifacts.
By merging biology with advanced materials science, the Chinese mainland's first adaptive hydrogel suction disc marks a milestone in global tech innovation – proof that the next wave of underwater breakthroughs is just beneath the surface.
Reference(s):
China develops first adaptive hydrogel biomimetic suction disc
cgtn.com
