Revolutionary Multi-Modal Robot System for Autonomous Submarine Docking and Reconstruction

Strategic Insights -

A patent has been published detailing a breakthrough multi-modal robot system capable of realizing autonomous submarine docking and reconstruction. The system, invented by a team at Zhejiang University, enables the construction of three types of underwater robots: a torpedo-type cruising robot, a fixed-point hovering robot, and a vertical profiling robot. This innovative technology has the potential to significantly enhance underwater operations, such as construction, inspection, maintenance, and repair.

Key Takeaways:

  • The multi-modal robot system is designed to realize autonomous submarine docking and reconstruction, allowing for the construction of different types of underwater robots.
  • The system comprises a non-contact charging platform, a plurality of functional modules, and a docking robot, which can transmit energy and signals to the functional modules.
  • The docking robot is equipped with a permanent magnet, a control center, and an antenna, which enables it to communicate with a shore base station.
  • The system includes various functional modules, such as an energy module, a propeller module, an observation/detection module, and an operation tool module, which can be assembled according to the requirements of the task.
  • The system has several innovative features, including a buoyancy regulating device, a flexible air bag and a pressure gas cylinder wrapped in the flexible air bag, and an exhaust port equipped with a second solenoid valve.
  • The method for autonomous docking and reconstruction involves guiding the docking robot to approach the platform using a sound beacon, looking for a specified functional module, and then assembling the functional modules according to the requirements of the task.
  • The multi-modal robot system can be used to construct various types of underwater robots, including a cruise robot, a fixed-point hovering robot, and a vertical profiling robot.

Statistics:

  • The patent was filed on November 25, 2024.
  • The patent was published online on May 27, 2025.
  • The system comprises 8 functional modules, including an energy module, a propeller module, an observation/detection module, and an operation tool module.
  • The docking robot has a buoyancy regulating device, a flexible air bag, and a pressure gas cylinder wrapped in the flexible air bag.
  • The exhaust port of the buoyancy regulating device is equipped with a second solenoid valve.
  • The system has a maximum of 3 horizontal propellers.
  • The maximum buoyancy force of the system is not specified.

Sources:

  • Chu, Shuguang. Multi-modal robot system capable of realizing autonomous submarine docking and reconstruction. U.S. Patent Number 12312055, filed November 25, 2024, and published online on May 27, 2025.
  • Zhejiang University. [Patent URL (for desktop use only): https://ppubs.uspto.gov/pubwebapp/external.html?q=(12312055)&db=USPAT&type=ids]