Chinese drone explores Mariana Trench, surpassing U.S. capabilities

A small drone from China has successfully explored the Mariana Trench, the deepest part of the ocean. It was created by researchers at Beihang University in Beijing. This briefcase-sized robot is special because it can use the extreme pressure of the deep sea to help it move. The Mariana Trench is about 10.7 kilometers (6.6 miles) deep. At that depth, the pressure is incredibly high, like having an iceberg on top of you. Professor Wen Li, the project’s lead researcher, explained this on March 20. The drone can swim, glide, and crawl across the ocean floor thanks to innovative technology. This achievement is significant as it highlights the advancements in China’s deep-sea exploration capabilities. In 2024, China completed 246 deep-sea dives, more than any other country. In contrast, the United States has older submersibles, like the Alvin, which can only go down to 6,500 meters (21,300 feet). The robot uses special materials called shape memory alloys to help it function under high pressure. These materials allow the robotic arm of the drone to perform different tasks underwater. Overall, this new technology opens up exciting possibilities for future deep-sea exploration.