While President Bush says it's OK for the Navy to kill whales during testing, researchers have launched an awesome sea glider that uses heat from the energy to propel itself. The glider has proven itself by criss crossing the Virgin Island Basin more than 20 times since December. It could keep going for another six months, the researchers say.
"Gliders can be put to work on tasks that humans wouldn't want to do or cannot do because of time and cost concerns," said Dave Fratantoni of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution and Webb Research Corporation.
Implications - Technological advancements in the field of robotics have enabled engineers to create "helper" bots that perform tasks deemed unsafe for humans.
Eco Scientists Devise New Propulsion
Sea Glider Powered by Water's Heat
Trend Themes
1. Sustainable Propulsion Systems - Utilizing natural heat sources for propulsion presents an innovative approach to sustainable transportation.
2. Autonomous Marine Exploration - Sea gliders capable of long-term, independent operation open new possibilities for deep-sea research.
3. Energy-efficient Robotics - Robots driven by autonomous, energy-efficient systems mark a leap forward in robotics technology.
Industry Implications
1. Marine Research - Advancement in sustainable sea gliders enhances the scope and efficiency of oceanographic missions.
2. Robotics - Innovations in autonomous robots pave the way for automated solutions in diverse environments.
3. Renewable Energy - Harnessing natural heat as an energy source revolutionizes applications across various sectors.