China Unveils Homegrown Deep-Sea Robotic Arm With Seven Functions

China has taken a major leap in underwater engineering by deploying its first-ever seven-function robotic arm for deep-sea oil and gas operations.

Developed by Offshore Oil Engineering Co., Ltd. (COOEC), the cutting-edge device is mounted on a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The robotic arm made its debut in the Pearl River Mouth Basin, where it successfully executed delicate and high-stakes operations in challenging underwater conditions. It demonstrated a remarkable range of motion, mastering seven distinct functions:
extending, retracting, swinging, rotating, opening, grasping, and clamping.

During the mission, the robotic arm performed precision valve operations and equipment installations while withstanding strong underwater currents. What sets this robotic arm apart is its ability to master seven distinct functions—extending, retracting, swinging, rotating, opening, grasping, and clamping, all of which are essential for delicate underwater operations. Despite weighing just 60 kilograms, the arm is capable of lifting a payload of 125 kilograms at full extension.

According to COOEC, this makes it approximately 35 percent lighter than its international counterparts, while also reducing costs by about 40 percent compared to similar imported devices.