Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon have developed an artificial gill that can extract oxygen from seawater to power robotic sea gliders on long missions. These gliders, crucial for oceanographic research, move using variable buoyancy propulsion and can dive to depths of up to 1,000 meters. The challenge with these gliders has been powering them, as traditional lithium batteries have technical limitations and are subject to safety and environmental regulations. To address this, Hereon engineers have turned to fuel cells that convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity. The advanced silicone polymer membrane developed by the team allows for high oxygen permeability and solves the issue of storing oxygen in underwater conditions. By eliminating the need for onboard oxygen storage, the system can utilize the saved weight and volume for additional hydrogen storage, enhancing energy density and reducing operating costs. The research, published in Advanced Science, showcases the potential for revolutionizing underwater exploration and making marine robotics more sustainable.