A giant robotic crab has been developed by researchers at the Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST) for deep-sea exploration. The 635-kilogram Crabster CR200is designed to walk on the seabed just like a real crustacean would.
According to the scientists, who are about to drop the Crabster CR200 into the Yellow Sea as part of the test, the robot could be used in underwater missions as well as in underwater construction or repairs (e.g. of oil and gas transmission networks).
Six legs and eleven «eyes» on the seabed
The remote-controlled Crabster CR200 underwater robot is able to remain stable on the bottom even in very strong underwater currents, thanks to its six powerful legs. With the help of 11 high-definition cameras and a special underwater lighting system, the Crabster is able to "see" in the murky waters of the seabed. Furthermore, the robot, with a maximum speed of 1.6 km/h, can create a 3D map of the seabed with the help of an underwater radar.
In the video created by the scientists, the robot appears to trap objects in its gigantic claws, which it then throws into an opening that resembles a mouth where it stores them. However, the actual prototype does not have that specific storage space.
The robotic crab's first dive, according to scientists, was successfully completed last summer. In the next phase, experts are planning a new underwater adventure at a depth of 200 meters, while immediately after, the giant crab is expected to dive into the Yellow Sea. There, it will take on the help of archaeologists in exploring 12th century shipwrecksthat had sunk centuries ago in the area.
