Underwater robots unveil advanced capabilities in tough conditions

In the current-swept waters off Dalian, Liaoning province, 30 teams of underwater robots from Chinese universities, research institutes and enterprises spent three days doing more than chasing a trophy: proving they can see, communicate and operate in the sea.

The finals of the 10th China Underwater Robot Professional Contest (URPC) were held from Sept 17 to 20 in open waters 8 to 15 meters deep at Xinghai Bay and Lingshui Port in Dalian, exposing robots to complex sea conditions including turbulent currents, turbid water and changeable weather.

The teams competed in real offshore waters, testing core capabilities in underwater perception and detection, positioning and communication, and intelligent operations.

"This year's competition fully tested the robots' practical performance in underwater observation and operations, achieving multiple technological innovations in autonomous target recognition, automated detection and efficient intelligent operations," said Yang Tingting of the Qianhai Institute of Peng Cheng Laboratory.

"New technologies such as binocular vision recognition and millimeter-wave communication were widely used, building up valuable cutting-edge technological reserves for seabed exploration, marine facility maintenance, marine rescue and other real-world scenarios," she said.

The event was guided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and co-hosted by the Dalian municipal government and Peng Cheng Laboratory. Dalian University of Technology, Dalian Maritime University and other institutions organized it.

"Unlike common smart products such as drones, underwater robots have specific operating environments and application scenarios," said Wang Lei, a professor at Dalian University of Technology's School of Software.