Abstract

Marine organisms are known to rely on highly sensitive tactile organs to accurately perceive external disturbances, particularly in low-light or completely dark underwater environments. These tactile perceptual mechanisms serve as ideal biological prototypes for the development of advanced underwater sensing devices. This manuscript provides a comprehensive review of the perceptual mechanisms of marine organisms and their technological translations. The intricate sensory systems of three representative species are examined: the lateral line system of fish, featuring both superficial and canal neuromasts for precise fluid dynamic detection; the undulating morphology of seal whiskers, specialized for hydrodynamic trail tracking; and the highly flexible tentacles of certain marine organisms, capable of detecting underwater pressure and deformation with exceptional sensitivity. Inspired by these biological mechanisms, biomimetic tactile sensors have been developed based on triboelectric, piezoelectric, piezoresistive, capacitive, magnetic, and optical fiber principles. Their broad application potential has been highlighted in tasks such as underwater flow velocity monitoring, vortex detection, and underwater object manipulation. Finally, current challenges, including environmental interference and limited durability, are discussed, along with future directions such as multimodal sensing integration and AI-assisted data processing, providing valuable insights for advancing next-generation underwater tactile sensing technologies.