Arctic Expedition | HIT's Flexible Ice-Monitoring Electronic Skin Embarks on Arctic Ocean Research Mission Aboard China's "Xuelong" Icebreaker

[NEWSROOM] - In July 2026, China's 16th Arctic Ocean Scientific Expedition, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, officially set sail for the Arctic Ocean. Serving as China's first Arctic expedition during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, the mission is jointly conducted by four research vessels-Xuelong (Snow Dragon), Xuelong 2, the North Sea Bureau's Jidi, and Tansuo-3-and is expected to conclude in early October.

Onboard this high-profile expedition, HIT's proprietary Flexible Ice-Monitoring Electronic Skin embarked aboard the Xuelong icebreaker to undergo real-world application testing and data collection in one of the coldest regions on Earth. This deployment marks the first time HIT's flexible sensing technology has entered the Arctic Circle, representing a landmark milestone for Chinese intelligent sensing products reaching the forefront of global polar exploration.

Addressing Global Climate Change with Advanced Sensing

Driven by global climate change, the Arctic environment is undergoing rapid and profound transformations. The accelerating thaw of sea ice carries global significance and international impact, directly affecting the future of humanity. Continuous and comprehensive Arctic research serves as a vital foundation for responding to climate change and advancing sustainable development in the polar regions.

Focusing on global climate change and its broader impacts, this expedition conducts comprehensive monitoring across sea ice, hydrology, biology, ecology, and atmospheric environments in key Arctic regions. Scientists are exploring international frontiers, such as the accretion mechanisms and dynamic evolution of the Gakkel Ridge, in collaboration with researchers from Germany, Russia, and other nations. Within this ambitious scientific initiative, sea ice monitoring is a critical component-and HIT's flexible ice-monitoring sensor is built precisely for this mission.

Innovative Technology: Thin, Wireless, and High-Precision

The ice-monitoring sensor deployed in this expedition represents a hallmark achievement of HIT's flexible sensing technology:

• Ultra-Thin & Conformable: With a maximum thickness of no more than 2.5 mm, the sensor functions like a human skin, adhering directly to the surface of monitored equipment without modifying original structures.

• Self-Powered & Wireless: Powered by a combination of solar panels and storage batteries, the system eliminates complex wiring and enables simple, flexible deployment.

• Multi-Parameter Sensing: Accurately measures critical real-time parameters, including ice thickness, temperature distribution, and structural vibration.

Prior to this polar expedition, HIT's flexible sensing technology had already proven its reliability in the wind energy sector. By adhering seamlessly to wind turbine blades, it provides accurate, real-time data to control turbine start/stop cycles and automate anti-icing/de-icing systems.

Conquering the Ultimate Polar Test Bed

The Arctic presents the ultimate proving ground for flexible electronics. Operating in sub-zero temperatures, navigating prolonged polar day/night cycles, and enduring harsh sea ice navigation, HIT's electronic skin faces extreme conditions-including ultra-low temperatures, intense UV radiation, and high-humidity salt spray.

Throughout the voyage, the electronic skin will capture first-hand operational data on Arctic ice accumulation and thermal field dynamics. This empirical data will provide invaluable support for studying polar ice evolution patterns and refining global climate models.

Empowering Scientific Frontier with "Made in China" Innovation

The Arctic serves as Earth's "climate regulator" and remains one of the least understood regions on the planet. Every expedition expands the boundaries of human knowledge, and every deployment of advanced hardware validates a nation's technological prowess.

From safeguarding domestic wind energy infrastructure to empowering national polar exploration, HIT leverages its self-developed flexible sensing technology to leave a distinctive mark of Chinese intelligent manufacturing on the Arctic ice cap.