Abstract

The rapid advancement of underwater vehicles and the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) necessitates core sensing components capable of withstanding high-pressure, low-visibility, and high-humidity environments. Although tactile perception mechanisms present a promising alternative to traditional underwater sensing, existing reviews lack a systematic analysis of the interdisciplinary integration of triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). This review addresses this gap by providing a comprehensive analysis of the latest developments in TENG-based underwater tactile sensors, with a focus on their selfpowered operation, material versatility, and bio-inspired design innovations. Our survey encompasses triboelectric principles, waterproofing strategies, bionic structures, material properties, and signal processing. Notably, we emphasize the transformative potential of TENGs in achieving zero-power-consumption and high-sensitivity sensing—key to overcoming challenges in longterm energy autonomy and adaptability to extreme marine conditions. The application potential in underwater mobile equipment, wearable devices, and monitoring networks is elucidated, alongside a discussion of technical challenges and future trends. This work ultimately establishes a foundational framework for next-generation underwater perception systems by advocating for the synergy of TENG technology with artificial intelligence and sustainable material science.