Italy: Octopus Robot Arm Handles Objects In Air And Water.

Liguria, Italy - June 08, 2026 Researchers at the Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have developed a soft robotic arm inspired by the octopus that is capable of sensing touch and grasping objects autonomously in both air and underwater environments. The system was created by the Bioinspired Soft Robotics research unit led by Barbara Mazzolai, and it incorporates tactile sensing directly into artificial suction cups distributed along the arm. Each silicone suction cup contains miniaturized optical sensors. When contact occurs with an object, changes in internal light reflection allow the system to estimate the intensity and direction of the applied force. This sensory data is processed to coordinate both local suction cup responses and the overall movement of the arm, enabling it to bend, twist, and wrap around objects with adaptive control. The robotic system can detect very weak contact signals and operate effectively in air as well as underwater conditions. Unlike traditional systems, the design does not rely on centralized control. Instead, sensing and motion are distributed across the structure, allowing real-time responses to physical contact. The modular configuration allows researchers to adjust the number and placement of suction cups depending on the intended application, improving flexibility and performance. Potential applications include handling fragile objects, underwater operations involving biological materials, and inspection or maintenance in complex or hazardous environments. The development is part of ongoing research in bioinspired robotics supported by national programs focused on robotics and artificial intelligence.