AsianFin -- Chinese researchers have developed a new underwater robot, dubbed Sea Turtle, that promises unprecedented precision in near-seafloor exploration, according to Science and Technology Daily. The nimble device marks a breakthrough in centimeter-level environmental observation and is expected to usher in a new era of more efficient, eco-friendly underwater research.

The 70-centimeter-wide robot was created by a team led by Professor Wang Gang at the College of Shipbuilding Engineering, Harbin Engineering University. Capable of gliding just centimeters above the seafloor, Sea Turtle can navigate coral reefs and other delicate ecosystems with minimal disruption to sediment, while deftly maneuvering past marine life with the agility of an underwater flying disc.

Researchers say the robot could have wide-ranging applications, including coral monitoring, underwater search and rescue operations, and sustainable fishing practices. Its precise, low-impact movements make it particularly suited for fragile marine environments, offering a level of observation and data collection previously difficult to achieve with conventional submersibles.