Solar underwater robot technology

Researchers had showcased a new solar powered underwater robot technology developed for undersea observation and water monitoring. This underwater robot technology allows better observation and technology and monitoring of complex aquatic systems, and supports advances in basic environmental science as well as applications to environmental management and security and defense programs.
The SAUV technology allows underwater robots to be deployed long-term by using solar power to replenish onboard energy. This will allow detection of chemical and biological trends in lakes, rivers, and waterways that may guide the management and improvement of water quality. Autonomous underwater vehicles equipped with sensors are currently used for water monitoring.
The SAUVs communicate and network with one another in real time to assess a water body as a whole in measuring how it changes over space and time. Key technologies used in SAUVs include integrated sensor micro-systems, pervasive computing, wireless communications, and sensor mobility with robotics. The SAUV weigh 370 pounds, travel at speeds up to 2 miles per hour, and is designed to dive to depths of 500 meters. Researchers will continue field testing to determine communication, interaction, maneuvering capabilities in testing dissolved oxygen levels, one of the most important indicators of water quality for aquatic life.

Technorati Tags: Science/Space

Vote Result

Score: 0.0, Votes: 0