Kaituo 2, developed by Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), is a cutting-edge vehicle designed to explore the ocean floor.

During testing, Kaituo 2 completed five successful dives, including a record-breaking descent to 13,460.6 feet (4,102.8 meters). It can reach depths of up to 6,000 meters.

Kaituo 2 features four tracks and a front-mounted drill. It has a sophisticated collection system and ore storage, connected to the surface by an umbilical cable. Measuring 19.7 feet (6 meters) long, 9.8 feet (3 meters) wide, and 8.2 feet (2.5 meters) high, it weighs about 14 tons.

Once on the ocean floor, it operates autonomously, adjusting to terrain changes without human intervention.

In trials, Kaituo 2 successfully navigated steep underwater mountains and challenging terrain. It demonstrated its capability by collecting over 441 pounds (200 kilograms) of minerals containing copper, cobalt, nickel, and manganese, which are crucial for technology, defense, and medicine.

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