Business · Economy · 4 hrs ago
China advances deep-sea equipment and underwater communications
China is developing new equipment for deep-sea work, as its marine economy grew steadily in the first three quarters of 2026.
At a recent marine economy expo, a domestically made robotic arm was shown with a grabber capable of lifting up to 455 kilograms.
Chinese underwater optical communications can now transmit large amounts of data at 6,000 metres, and the technology began commercial use in the first half of 2026.
This gives operators a new way to retrieve data from seabed observation systems.
Marine aquaculture is also becoming more digital and automated, with smart equipment being introduced for monitoring and managing fish farms.
Sea-product output rose 4.6% year on year in the first three quarters, while marine aquaculture output increased 5.8%.
China is expanding offshore fish farming, with one semi-submersible farm platform in Jiangsu now in use and another in Zhuhai undergoing equipment tests.
China has advanced domestic deep-sea equipment and underwater communications, according to a report by China News Service.
A domestically made deep-sea robotic arm can lift a payload of up to 455 kilograms at its gripper.
China’s domestically developed underwater wireless optical communications can transmit large volumes of data at depths of up to 6,000 metres.
The communications technology entered commercial use in the first half of 2026, offering a new way to retrieve data from seabed observations.
The report also described new equipment and platforms being used or developed for marine aquaculture and inspection.
- Who
- Chinese equipment makers and technology companies are developing the equipment and communications technology.
- What
- China is advancing deep-sea equipment, underwater communications and marine aquaculture technology.
- When
- The report was published on October 29, 2026; the communications technology entered commercial use in the first half of 2026.
- Where
- China; the report cites a marine economy expo and projects in Jiangsu and Zhuhai.
- Why
- The communications system offers a new way to retrieve seabed observation data; the report also says marine smart equipment is supporting the shift to digital and unmanned aquaculture.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
China’s domestically developed underwater wireless optical communications technology entered commercial use.
New deep-sea equipment, including a domestically made robotic arm, was showcased.
China News Service published its report on advances in deep-sea equipment and underwater communications.
- Robotic-arm payload
- Up to 455 kilograms at the gripper
- Communications depth
- Up to 6,000 metres
- Commercial use
- Began in the first half of 2026
- Marine products output
- Up 4.6% year on year in the first three quarters
- Sea aquaculture output
- Up 5.8% year on year in the first three quarters