By Digital Spartans 
China has revealed a cutting-edge bionic manta ray robotic submersible designed for advanced deep-sea military missions, capable of operating in near-zero visibility conditions. The soft-bodied robot mimics the natural movement of a manta ray, allowing it to navigate challenging underwater environments while performing surveillance and detection tasks.
Reports from CCTV News confirm that the robotic manta ray successfully detected and locked onto simulated underwater explosive devices in waters with visibility of less than one meter. This demonstrates the system’s capability to operate effectively in highly opaque and hazardous conditions, where conventional submersibles or human divers may face limitations.
Equipped with forward-looking sonar, the submersible can identify objects ahead even in total darkness. Side-scan sonar enables detailed seabed mapping, allowing operators to assess underwater terrain while avoiding obstacles. The robot continuously transmits real-time data back to command terminals, enhancing situational awareness and decision-making for naval operations.
Experts note that the soft-body design reduces noise and avoids disturbances in the water, providing stealth advantages for military reconnaissance. By emulating a manta ray’s flexible swimming patterns, the system can maneuver through narrow or complex underwater spaces, making it suitable for mine detection, reconnaissance, and surveillance missions.
The introduction of this robotic submersible highlights China’s growing emphasis on autonomous maritime technologies and the integration of biomimetic engineering into defense applications. Such innovations aim to improve operational safety, efficiency, and effectiveness in deep-sea missions, particularly in areas where human intervention is risky or impractical.