Underwater Exoskeletons Cut Diver Breathing Effort
Shenzhen researchers have built two underwater exoskeletons, PEAKED and KAED, designed to reduce the effort divers spend while swimming.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Robotics
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The Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology developed two underwater exoskeleton systems, PEAKED and KAED, to assist diver movement. In tests, PEAKED lowered respiratory minute volume across several kicking and walking styles.
Why it matters
Reducing the physical effort of underwater movement could make diving less strenuous and extend how long divers can stay in the water. The research was published in Science Robotics, placing it among peer-reviewed advances in wearable robotics.
In controlled tests, PEAKED cut respiratory minute volume by 29.77% during flutter-kicking, 25.7% during frog-kicking and 18.35% during underwater walking, and improved a 50m underwater sprint by 8.1%. The source does not disclose sample sizes or the full test protocol.
The players
Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology
A Chinese research institute in Shenzhen that developed the PEAKED and KAED underwater exoskeletons.
Science Robotics
A peer-reviewed journal published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science that carried the research.
The details
PEAKED is a flexible robotic structure worn around the hips and legs, while KAED is a rigid exoskeleton designed to assist kicking. Both systems use waterproof motors, batteries, sensors and control electronics, and predict shifts in kicking frequency to synchronise assistance with the diver's natural movements.
Timeline
The research was published in the journal Science Robotics; the publication date is not specified in the source.
Commercial availability has not been set and must still overcome reliability, pressure and integration challenges.
Roadmap
Wearable exoskeletons have been developed mainly for land-based tasks, and this work applies similar assistance to underwater movement. The research appears in Science Robotics, one of the main venues for peer-reviewed robotics advances.
Divers could eventually spend less energy on kicking and walking underwater if systems like these reach the market. Early costs are likely to be high, and one possible route is rental through specialist dive centres and liveaboard operators.
The takeaway
Assistive robotics is moving beyond factories and clinics into demanding environments like the ocean. Readers interested in diving gear may see rental-based access before any purchase option becomes common.
Further reading
For more on how assistive machines are being built for human bodies, explore Robotics coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Divernet.
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Would you pay extra for an exoskeleton that makes swimming less tiring?
