Education

NUST Karachi Develops Bio-Inspired Underwater Snake Robot

By Sobia Sultan • June 4, 2026
Futuristic humanoid robot with digital background

Students from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Karachi Campus have engineered a bio-inspired underwater snake robot, modeled after the yellow-bellied sea snake (Hydrophis platurus), known for its swift swimming capabilities.

The project was undertaken by students Hamza Imdad, Qazi Khizar Ali, and Hamza Hassan, under the supervision of Dr. Khurram Kamal at NUST’s Pakistan Navy Engineering College (PNEC). This accomplishment represents a notable advancement in Pakistan’s underwater robotics research.

The team conducted the world’s first Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) analysis focusing on the swimming mechanisms of sea snakes. By integrating these findings with advanced motion modeling, buoyancy control, and structural simulations, they developed a robotic system that imitates the efficient propulsion and maneuverability of sea snakes in water.

This innovative underwater robot holds potential for various applications including marine exploration, environmental monitoring, scientific research, and defense operations. Its enhanced design can improve underwater navigation and operational efficiency in aquatic environments.

The research underscores Pakistan’s growing emphasis on robotics, artificial intelligence, and engineering research within higher education institutions. The team plans to further refine the robot by adding autonomous functionality, intelligent navigation, and capabilities suited for practical deployment, aiming to push forward the development of sophisticated underwater robotic systems.

NUST Karachi’s breakthrough reflects its expanding contributions to global robotics innovations and emerging technologies, strengthening Pakistan’s position in the international technology landscape.

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