Peking University

History

2025

Development of the world's first diving exoskeleton

China has developed the world's first portable underwater exoskeleton that supports the movement of divers' knees. The device reduces physical activity, reduces air consumption and reduces muscle tension during dives. This became known in November 2025.

The development was created by a Peking University team led by Professor Wang Qining. By reducing exercise and oxygen consumption, the researchers noted, the system can increase dive duration, improve safety and reduce fatigue.

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Фото: cms.interestingengineering.com

The device is a two-sided exoskeleton for knees with a cable drive. It provides real-time torque by targeting a flutter kick - the main method of motion when diving with flippers. Force-based motion sensors and controls provide integration with the diver's natural movements.

The exoskeleton's effectiveness has been confirmed in trials involving six experienced divers. When using the device, air consumption decreased by 22.7%. Activation of the quadriceps decreased by 20.9%, activation of the calf muscles - by 20.6%. Tests have shown an improvement in overall energy efficiency underwater.

Moving underwater requires significantly more energy than walking on land. Divers constantly struggle with water resistance, which limits endurance and operational range. Wearable exoskeletons successfully reduced energy consumption on the ground, but adapting the technology for underwater use was challenging.

The developers took into account the biomechanical needs of swimming and the environmental pressure of the aquatic environment. The integration of sensors and the control system required a special approach to ensure that the electronics are functional during immersion. The control system adapts to the individual movements of the user.^[1]

Developing the world's first fabric that turns human heat into electricity

Peking University researchers have created an innovative rubber material capable of converting the heat of the human body into electrical energy to automatically recharge wearable devices. The development is the world's first material that combines high elasticity with effective thermoelectric conversion. The technology could eliminate the need for bulky batteries for smartwatches and other portable gadgets. The results of the study were published in early September 2025.

According to the South China Morning Post, the innovation is based on thermoelectric laws, where the difference between the temperature of the human body about 37 degrees Celsius and the environment in the range of 20-30 degrees generates electrical energy. The principle of operation is similar to the Watt steam engine, which converted the heat of boiling water into mechanical energy for the first locomotives.

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Фото: Shutterstock

A key feature of the development is a hybrid structure that combines and cross-links semiconductor polymers with elastic rubber. The creation of a network of nanofibers inside the material made it possible to achieve an unprecedented level of extensibility while maintaining high electrical conductivity.

Peking University materialist Lei Tin explained that the team aimed to create a substance that could bend, stretch and fit snugly against the skin. According to him, such thermal devices are comfortable in the sock and effectively convert the thermal energy of the body into electrical energy with minimal heat losses. Theoretically, the material can provide power supply indefinitely in the absence of damage.

Experimental tests have shown that the material stretches more than 850% of the original length. After stretching to 150%, it restores over 90% of the original shape, which is comparable to the characteristics of natural rubber. Special dopants - small amounts of substances for changing physical properties - further increase productivity.^[2]

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