China has taken a significant leap in underwater technology by unveiling its first domestically developed deep-sea robotic arm with seven functions. Designed for oil and gas operations beneath the ocean, this advanced mechanical arm was recently deployed in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, where it performed precision tasks with remarkable efficiency.
The robotic arm, developed by Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC), has been mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and is capable of operating at depths of up to 7,000 meters. It mastered seven essential movements: extending, retracting, swinging, rotating, opening, grasping, and clamping. During its inaugural mission, it successfully completed complex tasks like valve operations and equipment installation, even in strong ocean currents.
Weighing in at 60 kilograms, the robotic arm is 35 percent lighter than similar devices produced globally. Despite its lighter weight, it’s incredibly powerful, capable of handling a 125-kilogram payload when fully extended. Additionally, its cost is 40 percent lower than imported alternatives, making it a cost-effective solution for deep-sea operations.
This achievement places China among an elite group of nations with the capability to manufacture critical deep-sea robotics. The success of this project not only showcases China’s growing expertise in underwater technology but also paves the way for more advanced deep-sea exploration and resource development.
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China unveils homegrown deep-sea robotic arm with seven functions
cgtn.com
