Researchers at the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) have unveiled EyeRIS, a novel imaging system designed to provide unparalleled insights into the biomechanics of deep-sea octopuses. This advanced technology, integrated with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), was recently utilized to observe pearl octopuses in their natural environment at the "Octopus Garden" off the California coast.
The EyeRIS system features a high-resolution camera with microlenses, enabling it to capture multiple perspectives simultaneously. This capability allows for the creation of fully in-focus imagery and detailed 3D reconstructions of movement. Scientists used EyeRIS to meticulously track arm curvature and strain in real-time as the octopuses navigated the complex seafloor terrain. The findings revealed that these creatures utilize temporary muscular joints within their arms for locomotion, a discovery with significant implications for bioinspired robotics. The "Octopus Garden," situated approximately 3,200 meters (10,500 feet) below the surface near the Davidson Seamount, is a unique nursery for pearl octopuses (Muusoctopus robustus), characterized by warmth from deep-sea thermal springs that accelerates egg development and increases survival rates. This aggregation is the largest known of its kind, with estimates suggesting over 20,000 individuals.
The insights gained from EyeRIS extend beyond marine biology, offering valuable data for roboticists. The discovery of temporary muscular joints in octopus arms provides a blueprint for developing more agile and adaptable robots. Research into octopus arm biomechanics has long been a focus for soft robotics, with institutions exploring how to replicate the octopus's unique dexterity. This research highlights the potential for such bioinspired designs to revolutionize fields ranging from medicine to manufacturing and search and rescue operations. The development of EyeRIS was supported by grants from the David and Lucile Packard Foundation and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation.