Improving Human Diving Endurance with a Field-Deployable Exoskeleton

Abstract

Human endurance in underwater locomotion is fundamentally restricted by high energetic demands to overcome drag while managing a finite supply of self-contained breathing gas. Here, we present DiveMate, a field-deployable exoskeleton designed to improve human diving endurance via kick assistance in real-world underwater environments. DiveMate increases the travel distance using a given amount of breathing gas by 42.9% and extends dive duration by 54.9% through reducing the gas consumption rate. Marked reductions in muscle activation indicate decreased physiological exertion, with the net gas consumption rate decreasing by 47.0%. Changes in kinematic characteristics further contribute to powerful and efficient kicking. Successful open-water trials at depths up to 30 m demonstrated field feasibility. These results suggest that applying exoskeleton assistance is beneficial for improving human diving endurance and augmenting their ability to explore the aquatic world. This study extends the application frontier of exoskeletons and provides a potential reference for the design and assessment of future underwater assistive devices.