On May 27, 2026, ETH students will present an autonomous underwater robot designed to measure ice thickness from its underside. The project, which will be exhibited during Focus Rollout 2026 at ETH Zentrum, combines mechanical engineering, robotics, and electrical engineering to support climate research.
Autonomous navigation under the ice sheet 🤖
The vehicle uses acoustic and pressure sensors to move beneath the frozen surface without human intervention. Its measurement system uses a set of emitters and receivers that calculate ice thickness through wave return time. The structure is made of materials resistant to low temperatures and high pressures, allowing it to operate in polar environments during extended missions.
The robot fish that doesn't need a polar coat 🐟
While scientists freeze their extremities taking samples in the Arctic, this device cruises under the ice as if on vacation in the Caribbean. It doesn't need hot coffee or thermal gloves. Just batteries and software that doesn't complain about the cold. If penguins could hire employees, this robot would surely be at the top of the list.