Original Title: The Underwater Torch Relay Robot Boasts a "Hegong Core"
Flames danced in the water in a stunning fusion of fire and water. The first-ever underwater torch relay between robots in Olympic history was completed at the Beijing Winter Olympic Park by an amphibious robot and an underwater variable-structure robot. The underwater thruster, the core component powering the amphibious robot underwater, is a fruit of the industry-university-research cooperation between Hebei University of Technology (HUT) and industrial partners.
Precise underwater docking and ignition between the two robots were not only the highlight but also the biggest challenge of the cross-domain robotic torch relay. To achieve accurate docking, the positioning accuracy of the torch tip had to be consistently maintained within 1 centimeter in the complex open-water flow field—an extremely high demand for the robot’s dynamic stability. As the core component of the robotic torchbearer, the underwater thruster played a pivotal role.
The underwater thruster developed by the HUT team adopts advanced magnetic coupling drive technology, which drastically reduces shock and vibration during operation. The power supply and signal power supply systems are isolated internally, with all electrical components hermetically sealed in a pressure-tight chamber to eliminate the risk of seal leakage. The integrated design of the mechanical, electrical and propeller systems, coupled with precision manufacturing, has optimized key parameters including product efficiency, noise levels and power density to the extreme. Boasting technical advantages such as high performance, high precision, strong thrust, compact size and light weight, the thruster perfectly meets the requirements of the robotic torchbearer and has become its first choice for power.
(责编：张静淇、陶建)
