The Surfing Robot Finds Great Whites off California
Francesca Castor — August 26, 2012 — Tech
References: bbc
There is currently a Surfing Robot off the coast of California tracking sharks. Just shy of Shark Week, this robot tracks the movements of sharks, which gives oceanographers the ability to take their research further.
The robot, which is also environmentally friendly, carries all the scientific instruments necessary to track these dangerously interesting beasts. The team has also set up about five buoys with underwater receivers to help form a listening network for the robot. When a shark, or other tagged animal is within the area of the robot, their location is recorded and sent back to the scientists.
What’s really great about this particular invention is that it is shared with the general public. The accompanying (free) app to this robot, Shark Net, is a great way for people to see the sharks in real time. From their movements, to learning the animal’s history and viewing videos and photos, this app is an informative way for people to learn about sharks.
The robot, which is also environmentally friendly, carries all the scientific instruments necessary to track these dangerously interesting beasts. The team has also set up about five buoys with underwater receivers to help form a listening network for the robot. When a shark, or other tagged animal is within the area of the robot, their location is recorded and sent back to the scientists.
What’s really great about this particular invention is that it is shared with the general public. The accompanying (free) app to this robot, Shark Net, is a great way for people to see the sharks in real time. From their movements, to learning the animal’s history and viewing videos and photos, this app is an informative way for people to learn about sharks.
Trend Themes
1. Shark-tracking Droids - Robots are replacing humans in dangerous jobs like tracking sharks, which opens new possibilities in how research is conducted.
2. Environmental-friendly Technology - The use of environmentally friendly technology in studying marine life provides a new opportunity to study without disrupting ecosystems.
3. Public Education - Tools like the Shark Net app that provide real-time updates on marine life allow for greater public education and awareness of marine life.
Industry Implications
1. Marine Technology - This new technology opens opportunities for innovation in the development of underwater robotic tools and equipment.
2. Tourism - The Shark Net app has the potential to attract more tourists to shark-infested areas, thereby leading to greater economic opportunities in the tourism industry.
3. Environmental Science - The use of robots can revolutionize the way scientists collect data and conduct research with minimal environmental disruption, thereby increasing opportunities for environmental science research and innovation.
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