25th February 2021
4:00 am
25th February 2021
8:02 am
Researchers in the US are exploring the development of an agile, low-cost autonomous, underwater glider robot that can operate silently.
The team at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, aimed to create a versatile underwater vehicle with components and sensors easily swapped out or added, according to mission specifications.
“Our goal is persistent operation of mobile robots in challenging environments,” said Nina Mahmoudian, associate professor of mechanical engineering. “Most underwater robots have limited battery life and must return back after just a few hours. For long-endurance operations, an underwater glider can travel for weeks or months between charges but could benefit from increased deployment opportunities in high-risk areas.”