Oussama Khatib: What if Aquaman were a robot?

Engineering humanoid robots for deep-sea exploration enables precise, intuitive manipulation at depths reaching 1,000 meters. By utilizing buoyancy-providing hollow glass microspheres and oil-filled, pressure-compensated limbs, these robots withstand extreme conditions while maintaining the dexterity of a human diver. The anthropomorphic design allows operators to control the robot as an avatar, receiving real-time haptic feedback that facilitates delicate tasks like archaeological excavation and biological sampling. This technology transforms remote exploration, enabling researchers to study fragile ecosystems and shipwrecks without the physical risks of human diving. Future developments aim to extend operational depth to 3,000 meters and democratize access through remote, school-based haptic interfaces, further bridging the gap between human intuition and robotic capability in harsh underwater environments.