Underwater functionalities such as flow manipulation and propulsion mechanisms tailored for soft robotic underwater applications. Studies focused on bioinspired designs, whether through chemical, structural, or functional innovations are welcomed.

Key fundamental and applied research areas of interest include:

• Biomechanics and hydrodynamics of swimming organisms, correlating anatomy, motion, and locomotion behavior across length scales and Reynolds numbers.
• Bioinspired design of soft robots using various aquatic locomotion modes (undulatory motion, fin flapping, jet propulsion, etc.).
• Integrated methods for controlling buoyancy and performance under pressure.
• Development of actuation, power, and sensing systems for bioinspired aquatic locomotion.
• Morphing structures to manipulate flow and adapt to changing environments.

Contributions focused on metastructures and other functional structures to develop adaptable designs that meet the demands of underwater environments.

Key research areas of interest are:

• Responsive structures: Design of flexible structures that can mechanically respond and adapt to environmental demands. For instance, fins that adapt to increased water flow can improve stability and maneuverability; or shape-changing hull sections that can streamline or expand depending on movement needs.
• Stiffness control: Materials and structures with tunable stiffness to create parts that harden or soften as needed during different deformation scenarios. For instance, a softer, flexible body for navigating tight spaces can harden to resist strong currents or turbulence.
• Flexible metamaterials with spatial control of structural stiffness and programmed functionalities.
• Topology optimization frameworks to support the design of flexible structures subjected to underwater environments.

Manufacturing methods for flexible materials, with a special focus on additive manufacturing approaches. Topics like biofouling, which affect long-term operation and maintenance, and underwater manufacturing processes that cater to the specific challenges of submerged environment.

Key research areas of interest are:

• Additive manufacturing methods for flexible materials.
• Biofouling. Methods to prevent corrosion and other undesirable processes.
• Manufacturing processes that cater to the specific challenges of submerged environment.
• Structural integration of components with different stiffness working in underwater environments.

Sensing components to enhance underwater sensory capabilities and structural efficiency; and the integration of these systems with AI algorithms to manage their processing.

Key research areas of interest are:

• Multifunctional materials to provide mechanical sensing capabilities in underwater environments.
• Biological Optic Flow (SLAM): Use of visual information (optic flow) to understand relative speed and distance from objects, helping with obstacle avoidance and orientation.
• Computer Vision for AUVs: Optic flow and visual perception for real-time mapping and navigation.
• Sensor arrays collecting relevant physical and chemical data.
• Computational tools to optimize the design and distribution of these components within the bioinspired robots.
• Foundational knowledge of control theory to model and analyze sensorimotor control in biological systems.
• Adaptive Control Strategies: Study techniques like model-predictive control and machine learning-based controllers that allow robots to respond to dynamic and unstructured environments.
• AI tools to process the sensing information and provide fast feedback to the robot.

Energy-efficient and self-sufficient operation, prompting research in energy management strategies that support long-term autonomy for soft robotic systems.

Key research areas of interest are:

• Energy management strategies that support long-term autonomy for soft robotic systems.
• Sensors collecting relevant physical and chemical data.
• Computational tools to optimize the design and distribution of these components within the bioinspired robots.
• AI tools to process the sensing information and provide fast feedback to the robot.

optical communication is limited by range and environmental conditions, its ability to transmit large volumes of data with minimal delay makes it a powerful tool for short-range UW applications, particularly when high bandwidth and low latency are essential.

Key research areas of interest are:

• Wavelength: The wavelength of the LD should be carefully chosen based on water transparency and absorption characteristics.
• Output Power: The output power determines the intensity of the optical signal transmitted through water. Higher output power helps in maintaining signal strength over longer distances and through water turbidity. 
• Beam Divergence: LDs with narrow beam divergence are preferable as they allow the optical signal to propagate over longer distances without significant spreading or loss of intensity.