The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) recently deployed an autonomous unmanned surface vessel (USV), developed by Boeing subsidiary Liquid Robotics, to the Great Barrier Reef to help assess the health of the coral reefs and ecosystems.
The use of the Wave Glider on the seven day open water mission was the first major milestone of a five-year joint research agreement between Boeing and AIMS. Powered by waves and sun, the Wave Glider provided continuous, real-time environmental ocean data using a suite of on-board sensors and software. As it travels along the ocean’s surface, Wave Glider measurements include weather, wave heights, water salinity and pH levels, chlorophyll and more.
Researchers are still analysing the data captured by the Wave Glider. “We are impressed with the number of different measurements it could conduct at the same time and its ability to transmit the data back to our base immediately and reliably while navigating and performing its mission,” AIMS head of Data and Technology Innovation, Lyndon Llewellyn said.
Credit: Liquid Robotics via YouTube
Dr Llewellyn said this sort of technology allowed science to measure atmosphere and water over long periods of time because it can operate at sea for several months at a time while following a programmed course or being piloted remotely.
“It was quite extraordinary how the Wave Glider remained on its planned mission,” Dr Llewellyn said. “It went where it was told to and it stayed the course like an orienteering champion. “The Wave Glider technology will be an important tool to advance our mission to better monitor the Great Barrier Reef.”
Vice president and general manager of Boeing Autonomous Systems Chris Raymond said the demonstration proves how autonomous systems like Wave Glider can improve upon human-based environmental data collection methods while also being safe and affordable.
Boeing displayed the Liquid Robotics Wave Glider at its stand at the recent Pacific 2017 International Maritime Exposition.