SINGAPORE – OceanOneK, Stanford University’s advanced underwater robot, performed with the precision of a seasoned diver in the Singapore Oceanarium’s Shipwreck Habitat on May 6, offering a glimpse of what deep-sea exploration might look like in the future.

Weighing 300kg, the humanoid robot is equipped with eight multi-directional thrusters that allow it to move with precision in confined underwater environments.

It is operated remotely by a human pilot using a combination of haptic feedback and stereoscopic 3D vision, enabling the operator to “feel” resistance, texture and movement, while simultaneously seeing through the robot’s eyes.

This immersive system allows for delicate, human-like interaction with fragile objects on the seabed.

During the demonstration, OceanOneK descended into the water and retrieved a vase weighing about 500g, highlighting its ability to handle delicate objects – a key requirement for tasks such as underwater archaeology and infrastructure inspection.