A team of researchers from INESC TEC (Institute of Systems and Computer Engineering, Technology and Science) has developed PETRA, a state-of-the-art underwater robot designed to operate in extreme scenarios and revolutionise data collection and ecological monitoring missions in ultra-deep waters.

The technology was publicly presented during AED Days, the main event that brings together the national ecosystem of the aeronautics, space and defence industries.

PETRA's great advantage lies in its extraordinary ability to withstand hydrostatic pressure and its operational autonomy.

According to the designers' technical specifications, the robot can submerge to a depth of 6,000 metres, which covers the vast majority of the global seabed.

Beyond its maximum depth, the underwater vehicle is designed to remain stationary on the ocean floor for several consecutive weeks, collecting samples and monitoring ecosystems without the need for refuelling or direct human intervention.

The robot's design is based on a fully modular architecture, giving it enormous versatility in adapting to the specific requirements of each research scenario. This mechanical flexibility allows its total length to vary between 6.4 and 8 metres.

This volume translates into a robust transport capacity, allowing it to accommodate more than 2 cubic metres of payload, including oceanographic sensors, high-definition cameras, robotic arms, and geochemical analysis systems.

Currently, the innovative project is in its final phase of development and laboratory tuning, preparing for its first real-world tests. The official timeline established by INESC TEC researchers indicates that PETRA's first official mission will take place in May 2027.

This baptism of fire will consist of a highly technical operation that involves the robot remaining continuously on the seabed for an initial period of two weeks, paving the way for a new era of technological sovereignty in the sustainable exploration of marine resources and deep-ocean knowledge.