This Boat Can Carry Out Accurate Surveys Of Underwater Terrain
Rahul Kalvapalle — June 28, 2023 — Tech
References: utep.edu & interestingengineering
A team of researchers working out of the University of Texas at El Paso have developed an autonomous boat that is capable of conducting accurate surveys of water bodies ranging from lakes and rivers to oceans.
The circle-shaped craft eschews rudders and instead operates with the help of a quadrant of thrusters that enable it to travel at speeds of up to five feet per second. Fitted with a lithium-battery as well as a solar panel, the boat is capable of offering four hours of operation out at sea. The boat is also capable of initiating its return journey when it detects that battery power is low.
As far as survey capabilities go, this particular autonomous boat is designed to carry out bathymetric surveys, which are surveys of terrain as well as depth and underwater topography, without having to rely on a team of several individuals.
The autonomous boat is set to make its debut in carrying out surveys of the Rio Grande River.
Image Credit: University of Texas at El Paso
The circle-shaped craft eschews rudders and instead operates with the help of a quadrant of thrusters that enable it to travel at speeds of up to five feet per second. Fitted with a lithium-battery as well as a solar panel, the boat is capable of offering four hours of operation out at sea. The boat is also capable of initiating its return journey when it detects that battery power is low.
As far as survey capabilities go, this particular autonomous boat is designed to carry out bathymetric surveys, which are surveys of terrain as well as depth and underwater topography, without having to rely on a team of several individuals.
The autonomous boat is set to make its debut in carrying out surveys of the Rio Grande River.
Image Credit: University of Texas at El Paso
Trend Themes
1. Autonomous Boats - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop advanced autonomous boats for various applications such as mapping, surveying, and exploration.
2. Underwater Surveys - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create high-precision underwater surveying technologies to efficiently map water bodies and coastal areas.
3. Bathymetric Mapping - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Design automated systems that can accurately measure and map underwater terrains for improved navigation and resource management.
Industry Implications
1. Marine Technology - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop cutting-edge marine technology solutions for autonomous boats, underwater surveys, and mapping applications.
2. Environmental Monitoring - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Create advanced monitoring systems to assess water bodies, underwater landscapes, and ecological conditions for better environmental management.
3. Geospatial Services - Disruptive innovation opportunity: Offer innovative geospatial services using autonomous boats and advanced surveying technologies to provide accurate and up-to-date mapping data.
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