Chinese Robo-Diving Suit Could Help Users Consume Almost 40% Less Oxygen

Chinese scientists have developed a robotic diving suit that reduces oxygen consumption by nearly 40% during underwater operations. The exoskeleton, created by researchers at the Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, uses an advanced algorithm to mirror a diver’s movements in real time, enhancing agility and reducing physical exertion.

The flexible suit is designed for use in seabed surveys, pipeline inspections, salvage operations, and covert military missions. By synchronizing with the diver’s natural rhythm, the technology minimizes fatigue and lowers the risk of accidents caused by sudden changes in swimming pace.

In testing, the system demonstrated significant improvements in underwater efficiency, allowing users to glide through water with less effort although maintaining precise control. The innovation represents a step forward in human-machine collaboration for challenging aquatic environments.

This development was reported by the South China Morning Post on April 18, 2026, highlighting China’s ongoing advancements in wearable robotics and marine technology.