Bacteria-Inspired Underwater Robot Uses 12 Spinning Arms for Precise Movement

An underwater robot developed in Abu Dhabi is turning heads with its unique design inspired by bacteria.

Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Named ZodiAq, the robot uses 12 flexible, motorised arms that spin like bacterial flagella, allowing it to glide smoothly in any direction.

Created by researchers at Khalifa University, ZodiAq is powered by a Raspberry Pi and guided by sensors that monitor depth and movement.

Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc.

Each of its 30-centimetre-long arms is individually motorised, enabling precise control that traditional propeller-driven robots cannot achieve.

The robot communicates with a surface computer via an acoustic modem, eliminating the need for tethers.

ZodiAq trades speed for precision, taking about 15 seconds to travel two body lengths. This makes it ideal for delicate environments such as coral reefs and archaeological sites.

Researchers are already working on an upgrade that would allow the robot’s arms to stiffen, enabling it to grip objects and interact with its surroundings.

In early tests, ZodiAq operated for up to an hour at depths of 2.5 metres, navigating accurately to specific locations.

While not built for speed, the robot’s soft, stable design offers a safer and more environmentally friendly alternative for underwater exploration.

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• ZodiAq is an underwater robot inspired by bacterial movement

• It uses 12 motorised arms instead of traditional thrusters

• Developed by Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi

Source: BGR