- A diving suit was developed for terrestrial insects to extend their operational range underwater.
- The suit features a flexible waterproof shell and a miniaturized oxygen generator using MnO2-catalyzed H2O2 decomposition.
- Cockroaches equipped with the suit survived and moved underwater for up to 3 hours, achieving amphibious locomotion.
- The design includes custom connectors for the thoracic spiracles to ensure oxygen delivery and waterproofing.
- Oxygen levels in the suit peaked at about 47% and remained above 14% after 3 hours, sufficient for insect function.
- Underwater locomotion speeds were slightly reduced compared to land, due to hydrodynamic resistance.
- The suit demonstrated resilience in mixed-hazard environments, such as CO2-filled and water-submerged tunnels.
- Fully implanted control systems allowed navigation through narrow underwater crevices as small as 2 cm.
- The concept is adaptable to other terrestrial insects with similar respiratory systems, though species-specific optimizations may be needed.